A ball (seal) under the lobe or behind the ear can be a signal of quite serious problems in the human body. Such formations are an integral part of the surrounding tissues or move when palpated with fingers. If a neoplasm appears on the organ of hearing, which does not cause discomfort, then a person may not immediately notice it.
However, in the case when a ball appears behind the ear or on it and it hurts what it is, the person does not know, it is imperative to consult a specialist to be sure that this neoplasm is not a symptom of an oncological disease. A lump near or under the ear can occur due to a variety of diseases.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes
If a lump appears under the earlobe or behind it, then lymphadenitis is the most common cause. Typically, symptoms appear on both sides of the head at once. Inflammation of the lymph nodes occurs in the process of delaying and eliminating infectious agents in them: bacteria (staphylococci, streptococci), viruses, microorganisms or fungi. Adenoids, tonsils, thymus gland also fight against pathogens, while they also increase in size. Diseases in which inflammation of the lymph nodes is characteristic:
- infections of the oral cavity and respiratory tract (laryngitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, caries, periodontal disease);
- ENT diseases (sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, sinusitis, otitis media, furuncle);
- diabetes;
- tuberculosis;
- toxoplasmosis;
- HIV infection;
- diphtheria.
If the cause of the balls in the ears or behind the ears are infectious diseases, then in order to normalize the situation, it is enough to eliminate the main cause, i.e. cure the disease or remove its acute form.
For this, on the recommendation of the attending physician, antifungal, antiviral, antiprotozoal drugs or antibiotics are taken. The lymph nodes will return to normal over time without any additional intervention.
Sometimes additional treatments can be used:
- To speed up the healing process, compresses of dimethyl sulfoxide mixed with boiled water in a ratio of 1: 4 are prescribed. A napkin moistened with a solution is applied to the affected area and fixed with a bandage or plaster. If the lump behind the lobe or the ball in the ear hurts, then an anesthetic must be added to the compress (for example, a solution of novocaine or lidocaine).
- In the case of the dermatological nature of the lump, antihistamines are prescribed (syrups for children or tablets for adults), and rubbing with a solution of fucorcin.
- Purulent lymphadenitis may require surgery. The opened abscess is cleared of pus and drainage is placed to avoid relapse. In the future, they are treated like an ordinary purulent wound.
Parotitis
People call this disease mumps. When a lump appeared under the earlobe or a ball jumped behind the ear on the bones and spreads to the organs of hearing and cheeks, then you can immediately suspect mumps. If parents are worried about what kind of pea under the child's earlobe, it is worth examining the other side of the head, since these tumors are always paired and are the result of inflammation of the salivary glands.
The characteristic symptoms of mumps are fever, pain when opening the mouth and swallowing. This is a dangerous disease, fraught with serious complications: inflammation of the genitals, infertility or pancreatitis. Since there is no specific treatment for mumps, bed rest and a special diet are required. Seeing a doctor is mandatory, self-medication is unacceptable. The lump will come off shortly after recovery.
Lipoma
The ball under the ear or under the lobe near it can be an ordinary wen, mobile and soft, which forms in the place of growth of adipose tissue. The size of the lipomas is not more than 1.5 cm, they do not outgrow in the tumor, and very rarely grow strongly. The reasons for their appearance may be:
- hereditary predisposition;
- violation of fat metabolism;
- abrupt changes in the fat layer.
In such a case, the seal is mainly a cosmetic issue. Wen often dissolves on its own. A person, after consulting a doctor, will decide for himself whether to remove it or not. The operation is performed using a laser under local anesthesia. The skin is dissected over the clot, which is then also excised with a laser beam, while the vessels are coagulated to avoid bleeding.
Atheroma
This is a clogged sebaceous gland, stretched due to the continued production and accumulation of secretions in it. In fact, this is a cyst on the outlet duct of the gland. It is capable of reaching several centimeters in diameter and occasionally degenerating into a malignant neoplasm. The main reasons for the appearance of atheroma:
- heredity;
- disturbances in the work of the endocrine system;
- non-compliance with hygiene rules;
- a consequence of prolonged stay in contaminated premises;
- high sweating;
- seborrhea;
- trauma to the hair follicle.
Unlike lipomas, the chances of infection and inflammation are much higher. Therefore, if a balloon is inflated on the ear and hurts, then, most likely, it will have to be removed. This is done under sterile conditions in a polyclinic or hospital hospital.
At an early stage, the cells of the contents may be evaporated by high-frequency radio waves or burned out by a laser beam. In case of suppuration, the capsule is removed with a traditional scalpel under local anesthesia in 15-20 minutes.
Other types of neoplasms
In addition to the above diseases, there are (although much less often) other formations with outwardly similar symptoms:
- Fibroma. It looks as if a mushroom has appeared on a stalk, separate from the neighboring skin. Most often it is painless. It is recommended to consult a doctor if fibroids grow or become inflamed.
- Hemangioma. This is a pathology of blood vessels that grow together. It is hard and soft, has a reddish tint. It can grow rapidly, capturing adjacent tissues.
- Malignant tumors. May be sarcoma, neurofibromatosis, or basal cell carcinoma. Such formations can solder with nearby tissues and hurt, their color is slightly darker than that of healthy skin.
Malignant tumors are removed surgically under general anesthesia. After that, chemotherapy is prescribed to prevent further development of the disease and the appearance of metastases.
Diagnostic methods
On external examination, there is just a lump under the lobe, there is a seal behind the ear. What it is, only the doctor can say for sure after examining the patient. For a more accurate diagnosis of the diagnosis, a blood test must be taken, which will reveal inflammatory processes. If a malignant tumor is suspected, additional procedures are used, such as:
- ultrasound examination (ultrasound);
- magnetic resonance therapy (MRI);
- biopsy.
If any incomprehensible formations appear in the face or neck area, a person should consult a specialist. It is imperative to go to the hospital if:
- the appearance of a clot was not preceded by an infectious disease;
- inflamed lymph nodes throughout the body;
- lymph nodes did not decrease within two weeks after recovery;
- education hurts a lot and suppurates.
Traditional methods of treatment
With enlarged lymph nodes and wen, the masters of traditional medicine recommend the following recipes:
- A large onion is baked in the oven, after which it is ground into a gruel. Then add a teaspoon of honey and the same amount of grated brown washing soap. The resulting ointment is applied to the affected area and fixed.You need to repeat until the seal disappears completely, changing the ointment twice a day.
- A glass of olive oil is heated in a water bath, then 20 grams of beeswax is added there. After a homogeneous mixture is formed, the crumbled yolk of a hard-boiled egg is introduced. The strained ointment should be kept in the refrigerator. Lubricate the neoplasm three times a day until it recovers.
- Grated red beets are mixed with honey. The compress is applied to the seal and bandaged. Change the mixture 2 times a day.
