A lump behind the ear can have many possible causes.
The most common includeswollen lymph nodescaused by an uncomplicated infection.
These lumps are typically harmless and relatively easy to treat.
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Rarely,benign(non-cancerous) ormalignant(cancerous) tumors can develop behind the ear.
A lump behind the ear can develop anywhere between the top of the ear and the ear lobe.
It may be soft or hard, large or small, or painful or non-painful.
These and other clues can help a healthcare provider determine the possible causes.
Treating the underlying cause will usually resolve cervical lymphadenopathy.
Benign Causes
Most causes of lumps behind the ear are benign and treatable.
Of the possible causes, cancer is the least likely.
In rare cases, surgery may be needed to remove a tumor or treat an infection.
It may also be triggered by benign tumors like chondromas affecting cartilage and osteomas affecting bone.
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