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hemlok · Apr 6, 2007, 10:25 AM

So every few weeks I get a huge painful lump behind my ear always in a slightly different spot. It goes away in about a week or so but then a couple weeks later it reappears. This is the 4th time and its bigger and more painful. What is it? When the growth isn't there there are always little hard bumps. I don't have insurance so I am trying to figure out if I need a doctor or not.

finessed1 · Apr 6, 2007, 07:05 PM

Originally Posted by hemlok

so every few weeks i get a huge painful lump behind my ear always in a slightly different spot. it goes away in about a week or so but then a couple weeks later it reappears. this is the 4th time and its bigger and more painful. what is it? when the growth isnt there there are always little hard bumps. i dont have insurance so i am trying to figure out if i need a doctor or not.

My best friend sometimes has the same problem. If you get an answer could you please let me know? My son had a huge lump like that with the same characteristics. The doctors said is was something's called a lymphnoid (to my knowledge). They said that there was no medicine that could take it away and that it would leave on it's own. It did. They said it could come from various reasons but the one that really sticks in my mind at the time was that it could have came from a reaction to a cat sctrach.

Morphius · Apr 8, 2007, 04:55 PM

My sister suffered from something very similar to what you're describing and was told it was swollen glands (could be what you're referring to finessed1) but I'm pretty sure she was given a course of anti-biotics as it was an infection making them swell.

With regards to your uncertainty of visiting the doctor, if it's bothering and causing you pain (which you shouldn't have to suffer) it's enough reason to go! Even if nothing can be done, I'm sure the doctor can put your mind at ease.

J_9 · Apr 8, 2007, 05:29 PM

So far everyone is pretty right. It is most likely a swollen lymph node. They usually occur after a cold or some sort of infection, sometimes they can occur with allergies.

If you are concerned you can visit a health clinic in your area. Many are free of charge or on a sliding scale fee according to your income.