Causes of Lumps on the Back of the Head and When to Be Alert

There are many reasons for the appearance of a lump behind the head. Although generally not dangerous, you should be vigilant when the lump is accompanied by headaches, vomiting, bleeding, or if the size continues to grow. Lumps behind the head can vary from size, color, and shape. There are soft, hard, itchy, disturbing appearance, or no pain at all. A dangerous lump behind the head that is accompanied by pain and prolonged headaches despite taking painkillers.

Causes of Lumps Behind the Head

Some causes of the appearance of a bump behind the head are:

• Collision or accident

Lumps can appear when the head collides with a hard object or a head injury occurs. This is the body's reaction to self-healing. Lumps on the back of the head can cause bruising or hematoma on the scalp. Purplish-colored bumps are a sign that you are experiencing bleeding under the skin. Strong collisions can indeed cause large lumps and even bleeding in the brain, but generally the lump will disappear within a few days. But if after a collision, you lose consciousness, vomit, or seizure, see a doctor immediately.

• Hair that fails to grow

Hair growth failure is usually found in people who like to shave. This condition occurs when hair that is supposed to grow through the skin, instead enters the skin. Hair that is trapped inside the skin generally causes small reddish bumps. Although not dangerous, this condition can also become an infection and ulcers.

• Folliculitis (infection of hair follicles)

Folliculitis is an infection or inflammation of the hair follicles, generally caused by bacterial and fungal infections. Folliculitis lumps are red or white, and are small in size like zits. This condition is not dangerous, but can cause itching, loss, and baldness.

• Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is a tumor that grows in the deepest layers of the skin and is malignant. This condition is the most common type of cancer. The color can be red or pink with shapes such as wounds, scars, or bumps. The reason is exposure to intense sunlight.

• Lipoma

Lipomas are benign fat tumors that feel soft and soft when held and can shift. Lipomas are rarely seen on the head, and more often appear on the shoulders and neck. Lipoma does not cause pain. However, if the size continues to grow, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the tumor.

• Epidermoid cyst

Epidermoid cysts generally grow under the skin of the face and scalp. The size can be large or small, and often does not cause pain. The cause of epidermoid cysts is the buildup of keratin, which is a skin-forming protein. If it does not interfere, this cyst does not usually need to be treated because it is not dangerous.

• Pillar cyst

Similar to epidermoid cysts, pillar cysts are lump shaped and generally grow on the scalp. These cysts also do not cause pain, but can interfere with appearance if they are large.

• Seborrheic keratosis

Seborrheic keratosis is a small lump similar to a mole or wart, which usually grows on 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 through cryotherapy (frozen surgery) or electrosurgery, which is done by a doctor.

• Pilomatriksoma

Pilomatriksoma is a benign tumor in the hair follicles. 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 on other body parts.

• Exostosis

Exostosis is abnormal growth above the bone. This condition rarely occurs in the head and the cause is not known with certainty. Eskostosis can cause pain, but can also be without pain at all. Handling this condition is generally done if complications have occurred.

When is the bump behind the head said dangerous?

As explained earlier, most bumps on the back of the head are harmless. But keep in mind, a lump in the back of the head requires immediate examination and treatment if accompanied by:

• Gag.
• Loss of consciousness or fainting.
• Impaired balance or coordination of the body.
• Pain that is lost arises.
• A headache that does not improve despite taking pain medication.
• Have a history of blood clotting disorders, such as hemophilia.
• Have had brain surgery or head surgery before.

Lumps on the back of the head should also get a doctor's examination if the size gets bigger or turns into an open wound. If you are worried about a bump on the back of your head even though you don't feel pain, visit your doctor to get a thorough check-up to anticipate the possibility of danger.