I am 14 years old and I have noticed a lump on my ear it is really painful. It is just where the ear connects to the face and before my ear piercing. I'm really worried what it could be. Please can someone help.

It is most likely a sebaceous cyst, a benign (aka non-cancerous) cyst that forms when the sebaceous glands become blocked. The sebaceous glands exist in the skin and produce an oily substance called sebum.

You can try placing a warm compress, like a damp washcloth heated in the microwave for 10-15 seconds over the area for a few minutes everal times a day.

Usually, however, these require removal by a doctor. It can often be done as an office procedure where they numb up the area and make a small incision to remove the cyst. Do NOT attempt to poke it yourself, however, as you can cause infection.

Honey, you are 14, I'll try to explain it in a way you can understand so it's not so scary for you.

A sebaceous cyst is similar to a pimple, it is not cancer. It happens when our pores or oil producing glands become clogged with dirt or oil.

You need to keep it clean and can place a clean wet warm washcloth over it for a few minutes a couple to three or four times every day.

Now, whatever you do, don't try to pop it yourself... don't try to squeeze it, because you may get it infected... just continue keeping it clean and using the moist heat (washcloth), this may help drain it. If it does not drain on it's own, you need to have it checked out by your doctor.