A lump or ball behind the ear on a bone in a child can have a variety of causes. This happens as a consequence of infectious diseases, and changes in the tissues around the head. More accurate information will be given by the otolaryngologist after examining the patient.
Mumps (mumps)
Mumps is the most common childhood disease, one of the signals of which is a tubercle near the organ of hearing. It is an infectious disease that spreads through airborne droplets. Drops of mucus can not only infect babies through direct contact, but also remain on clothes, toys, pieces of furniture with a high probability of subsequent infection. Therefore, it is important to avoid contact with children with mumps who have not yet had this disease. After recovery, immunity to this disease is developed for the rest of his life.
Mumps is characterized by inflammation and enlargement of the salivary glands, which is initially perceived as a ball near the auricle. Over time, the swelling spreads to the lobes and cheeks, hence the name "mumps". Other signs of infection:
- pain when swallowing and chewing;
- increased body temperature;
- muscle and head pain;
- chills;
- lack of appetite;
- dry mouth;
- in boys, inflammation of the testicles (orchitis).
When diagnosing mumps, the patient is isolated for 9 days, follows a special diet and bed rest. Since there is no specific therapy for mumps, the main thing is to prevent complications such as inflammation of the genitals, infertility or pancreatitis.
After getting vaccinated against mumps, a lump (bump) behind a child's ear is also common. This is the norm, so there is no need to worry in this case.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes (lymphadenitis)
A lump behind the ear in a baby or under the ear in an older child may indicate inflammation of the lymph nodes, which are part of the body's immune system. The lymph nodes protect the ENT organs from pathogens. Compaction occurs due to the accumulation of cells in them that trap pathogenic bacteria or viruses.
As a rule, an increase in lymph nodes is caused by a weakened immune system or an infectious disease. The fact that a baby has a seal, parents may not immediately notice, since it is visually poorly visible, especially in newborns. Diseases that can provoke inflammation of the lymph nodes can be:
- lesions of the oral cavity and teeth - pharyngitis, tonsillitis, flux, caries;
- inflammation of the hearing organs - eustachitis, otitis media, boil;
- infections - diphtheria, toxoplasmosis, HIV, tuberculosis;
- respiratory diseases - tonsillitis, laryngitis, ARVI;
- fungal diseases.
After an examination, the doctor will prescribe the drugs necessary to treat the disease that caused the lymphadenitis. Depending on the diagnosis, these can be:
- analgesics;
- antibiotics;
- anesthetics;
- physiotherapy;
- dry heat.
After recovery, the lymph nodes will return to normal and the lump will gradually dissolve. In case of severe suppuration, surgical intervention is possible. If the reasons for the appearance of a bump on the head, in or behind the child's ear lie outside the competence of the otolaryngologist, then he will give a referral to an oncologist or therapist.
Chicken pox
Swollen lymph nodes are not characteristic of chickenpox, but bumps or bumps behind the ears of a child with chickenpox may appear as a sign of complication. The lymphatic system is involved in the spread of the smallpox pathogen from the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract through the nodes into the blood.
Viruses enter the cells of the mucous membranes and the upper layers of the skin, destroy them and form vesicles with a large amount of exudate. Lymph nodes also enlarge with the accumulation of a significant amount of viruses and tissue edema, become elastic, dense, and sometimes a little painful. After the period of rashes has passed, the nodes gradually begin to return to their normal state.
Benign neoplasms
Neoplasms near the hearing organs in babies can be a sign of benign tissue proliferation: lipomas or atheroma. Unlike lymphadenitis, such clots, when palpated with fingers, easily move under the skin.
- Lipoma is an overgrowth of adipose tissue up to one and a half centimeters in diameter, often caused by heredity or disorders of fat metabolism. It is not a health hazard, but it can be a cosmetic problem. It often resolves on its own, but if desired, it can be surgically removed using a laser. The operation is simple and almost bloodless.
- Atheroma (cyst) - has clearly defined borders and a round shape, it feels like a hard ball. May appear due to poor hygiene, excessive sweating, hormonal problems, or injury to the hair follicle. Consists of a hard capsule lined with epithelium and filled with a light curdled mass. Sometimes it can fester, then surgery is desirable to remove the capsule. The operation takes about 15 minutes and is performed under general anesthesia in a hospital or clinic. In the early stages, it can be removed with radio waves or burned out with a laser. An attempt to self-extrude atheroma can lead to tissue abscess.
Other Potential Health Problems
Taking into account the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the hearing organs and their proximity to other organs in the head area, sometimes the symptoms of different diseases are similar to each other. Seals localized here can also signal problems like this:
- Acute otitis media. A bump usually on one side may indicate this problem or dermatitis. After recovery, everything returns to normal. Only a doctor's supervision is required.
- Parotid fistula. Congenital disease, fetal pathology, in which a narrow channel is formed from the base of the shell to the oral cavity in the cervical region. In its normal form, it does not cause discomfort; with inflammation, a lump appears. After conservative therapy, it is removed surgically.
- Hemangioma. The type of tumor in which the vessels grow together with each other. It can degenerate into a malignant one. Surgical operation is fraught with the complications of possible profuse bleeding. Therefore, radiation and chemotherapy are used, blood coagulability is increased with the help of injections of 85% alcohol, and the leading vessels are ligated.
Parental actions when lumps are found near the ears
There are a lot of reasons for neoplasms in the head area in babies, so you should not take risks and self-medicate. Only a specialist will be able to establish an accurate diagnosis. To do this, he will examine the education, do a blood test, and, if necessary, send it for an ultrasound or biopsy of the lymph nodes.
If swelling is detected on the sides of the head, parents should in no case perform the following actions:
- rub education;
- piercing or extruding the ball;
- warm the seal or apply an iodine mesh on it;
- expose to direct sunlight.
In order not to harm, the recipes of traditional medicine must be approached with great care. They can be used only on the recommendation of a doctor.
