Causes of Lumps Behind the Head and When to Look Out
There are many reasons for the appearance of a bump on the back of the head. Although generally harmless, you should be wary when a lump is accompanied by headache, vomiting, bleeding, or if the size continues to grow.
Lumps on the back of the head can vary from size, color, and shape. Some are soft, hard, make itchy, disturbing appearance, or do not feel pain at all. Lumps on the back of a dangerous head that is when accompanied by pain and prolonged headaches despite taking painkillers.
Causes of Lumps Behind the Head
Some causes of the appearance of a lump on the back of the head are:
- Crash or accident
The lump can appear when the head collides with a hard object or head injury occurred. It is a body reaction to heal itself
The lump on the back of the head can cause bruising or hematoma on the scalp. A purplish-colored lump is a sign that you are bleeding under the skin. A strong collision can indeed cause big bumps and even bleeding in the brain, but generally the lump will disappear within a few days. But if after a collision, you lose consciousness, vomiting, or seizures, immediately consult a doctor. - Hair that fails to grow
Hair failure to grow is usually found in people who like shave. This condition occurs when the hair that should grow through the skin, even into the skin. Hair that is trapped inside this skin generally causes a small reddish bump. Although not harmful, this condition can also become infections and ulcers. - Folliculitis (infection of hair follicles)
Folliculitis is an infection or inflammation of the hair follicles, commonly caused by infection bacteria and fungi. The lump of folliculitis is red or white, and is small as a pimple. This condition is harmless, but can cause itching, hair loss and baldness.
- Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is a tumor which grows in the deepest layer of skin and is malignant. This condition is the most common type of cancer. The color can be red or pink with a shape like a wound, scar, or bump. The cause is intense sun exposure. - Lipoma
Lipoma is a benign fatty tumor that feels soft and tender when held and can shift. Lipomas are rarely seen in the head, and more often appear on the shoulders and neck. Lipoma does not cause pain. However, if the size continues to grow, doctors may recommend surgical removal of the tumor. - Cyst epidermoid
Epidermoid cysts commonly grow under the skin of the face and scalp. The size can be large or small, and often painless. The cause of epidermoid cyst is the accumulation of keratin, which is a skin-forming protein. If not disturbing, these cysts usually do not need to be treated as harmless.
- Pillar Cysts Similar to epidermoid cysts, pillar cysts lumps and generally grow on the scalp. These cysts also do not cause pain, but can interfere with appearance when the size is large.
- Seborrhoeic keratosis
Seborrhoeic keratosis is a small lump similar to a mole or wart, which usually grows in the head or neck of the elderly. The shape is somewhat similar to skin cancer, but seborrheic keratosis is actually benign and harmless. However, you can still eliminate it by the procedure of cryotherapy (frostectomy) or electrical surgery, done by the doctor. - Pilomatriksoma
Pilomatriksoma is a tumor in a hair follicle that is benign. This tumor is more common in children and adolescents. Lumps generally do not cause pain and appear on the neck, face, or head, but can also appear in other body parts. - Eksostosis
Eksostosis is abnormal growth above the bone. This condition is rare in the head and the cause is not known for certain. Eskostosis can cause pain, but it can be painless as well. Handling this condition is generally done if there is a complication.
When to Lump Behind the Head Said Dangerous?
As mentioned before, most lumps on the back of the head are not harmful. But keep in mind, the lump on the back of the head requires immediate examination and treatment if accompanied by:
- Vomiting.
- Decreased awareness or fainting.
- or body coordination.
- Missing pain.
- Headache that does not improve despite taking pain medication.
- Have a history of blood clotting disorders, such as hemophilia .
- Have had brain surgery or previous head surgery.
Lumps on the back of the head should also get a doctor's examination if the size grows or becomes an open wound. If you are worried about a lump on the back of your head even if you do not feel pain, visit your doctor to get a thorough examination in order to anticipate the possibility of harm.