Hi, I have a small lump behind my right ear. It's not the first time I have one. Last summer I got a similar lump but it became larger than this year. Eventually it went away. This time, I have the same thing, just smaller. When I put pressure on it, it hurts a bit.
The wisdom tooth on the right top of my mouth has grown in completely and it is slightly impacted ( I had the one on the left side removed years ago before it grew in). Is this possibly connected to the lump behind my ear? Is the lump a signification that the dental cavity is infected? If so, how serious is this? If not, then what the heck is the lumpy thing behind my ear?

Thanks!
Ninaa7

P.S. I also have a slight soar throat (just when I swallow) on the right side... am I just falling apart here?? :confused:

LOL... if you are bleeding from one or more orifice, then you are falling apart!

If you have pierced ears, you are apt to get these lumps behind your ear. I have had a few in my lifetime, and they just go away eventually.

That's my opinion. :)

Thank you for your answer... it put me in a better mood... but what particularly helped is... OBAMA '08!! (and of course Ghandi's quote).

Thanks again,
Nina

You're welcome, girl!!

Pierced ears cause lumps behind the ear? Perhaps on the back of the ear lobe (scarring, infection, build up of sebum in the actaul hole) but behind the ear on the skull?

As you mention also having a sore throat on that side, my guess would be swelling in the tube that runs from the ear down to the throat and a possible ear infection. It could be the impacted tooth and referred pain. I've had the same symptoms without tooth problems. If it doesn't clear soon, or gets worse, I'd suggest contacting your doctor.

Google Sebaceous Cysts... it is a common problem and can be treated at home most of the time. This sound like what you may have, its not really a big deal. I am no doctor but I would at least look this up, it may help.

Thank you LillyL, thank you Tykescribe! Why didn't I think of this cite before?

Lumps behind the ear, on the margin between the head and the neck proximal to the angle of the jaw are more likely to be swollen lymph nodes. If they are lymph nodes then your immune system is busy fighting off some kind of infection. Impacted teeth can be a source or real medical problems and you would be better off seeing a dentist soon. Now I know that you might think that crazy if you are in the US, but there must be a way to see one ata clinic without selling your car or house. The bacteria that live quite happiky in the margins of the gum beling there and do an important job. But if they 'bloom' and start getting in places outside the gum margin, like the lymph system of the head and neck or small blood vessels; then this can be trouble. So see a dentist and if you can't, start flossing around that impacted tooth. Rinse every two or so hours with warm salty water - one teaspoon (10 grams) in 300 mls of warm water. DON'T SWALLOW IT. You'll barf. The drug store may have Amosan which can help minimise the swelling and pain. Also - and this is a bit out of left field - you could try gently chewing on a clean piece of wood like a curtain rod or the end of a wooden spoon. For some reason this can work by increasing blood flow around the impaction and stregthening the tiny ligaments in the roots of the tooth. Be very conservative about this and make sure you mention it to the dentist if you do it. Good luck!