zThere are many reasons for the appearance of a lump on the back of the head. Although generally harmless, you should be wary when a lump is accompanied by headache, vomiting, bleeding, or if the size continues to grow.
Lumps on the back of the head can vary from size, color, and shape. Some are soft, hard, make itchy, disturbing appearance, or do not feel pain at all. Lumps on the back of a dangerous head that is when accompanied by pain and prolonged headaches despite already taking painkillers.
Causes of Lumps Behind the Head Some causes of the emergence of lumps on the back of the head are:
Clash or accident
A lump can appear when the head collides with a hard object or a head injury occurs. It is the body's reaction to self-healing.
Lumps on the back of the head can cause bruising or hematoma on the scalp. A purplish-colored lump is a sign that you are bleeding under the skin. A strong collision can indeed cause large bumps and even bleeding in the brain, but generally the lump will disappear within a few days. But if after a collision, you lose consciousness, vomiting, or seizures, immediately consult a doctor.i.
Hair that fails to grow
Hair failure to grow is usually found in people who like to shave. This condition occurs when the hair that should grow through the skin, even into the skin. Hair that is trapped inside this skin generally causes a small reddish bump. Although not harmful, this condition can also be an infection and boils .
Folliculitis (infection of hair follicles)
Folliculitis is an infection or inflammation of the hair follicles, commonly caused by bacterial and fungal infections. The lump of folliculitis is red or white, and is small as a pimple. This condition is not harmful, but can cause itching, hair loss, and baldness.
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is a tumor that grows in the deepest layer of skin and is malignant. This condition is the most common type of cancer. The color can be red or pink with a shape such as wounds, scars, or bumps. The cause is intense exposure to sunlight.
Lipoma
Lipoma is a benign fatty tumor that feels soft and tender when held and can be shifted. Lipomas are rarely seen in the head, and more often appear on the shoulders and neck. Lipoma does not cause pain. However, if the size continues to grow, doctors may recommend surgical removal of the tumor.
Epidermoid cysts
Epidermoid cysts generally grow under the skin of the face and scalp. The size can be large or small, and often painless. The cause of epidermoid cyst is the accumulation of keratin, which is a skin-forming protein. If unobtrusive, these cysts usually do not need to be treated because it is harmless.
Pillar cyst
Same with epidermoid cysts, pillar cysts are lumpy and generally grow on the scalp. These cysts also do not cause pain, but can disrupt the appearance if the size is large.
Seborrhoeic keratosis
Seborrhoeic keratosis is a small lump similar to a mole or wart, which usually grows in the head or neck of an elderly person. The shape is somewhat similar to skin cancer, but seborrheic keratosis is actually benign and harmless. However, you can still eliminate it through a procedure of cryotherapy (frozen surgery) or electrical surgery, which is done by a doctor.
Pilomatriksoma
Pilomatriksoma is a tumor in the hair follicle that is benign. 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 in other body parts.
Eksostosis
Eksostosis is an abnormal growth above the bone. This condition is rare in the head and the cause is not known for certain. Eskostosis can cause pain, but it can be painless as well. Handling this condition is generally done if complications have occurred.
When is a Lump in the Back of the Head Said to be Dangerous?
As mentioned before, most lumps on the back of the head are not harmful. But keep in mind, the lump on the back of the head requires inspection and immediate treatment if accompanied by:
Lumps on the back of the head can vary from size, color, and shape. Some are soft, hard, make itchy, disturbing appearance, or do not feel pain at all. Lumps on the back of a dangerous head that is when accompanied by pain and prolonged headaches despite already taking painkillers.
Causes of Lumps Behind the Head Some causes of the emergence of lumps on the back of the head are:
Clash or accident
A lump can appear when the head collides with a hard object or a head injury occurs. It is the body's reaction to self-healing.
Lumps on the back of the head can cause bruising or hematoma on the scalp. A purplish-colored lump is a sign that you are bleeding under the skin. A strong collision can indeed cause large bumps and even bleeding in the brain, but generally the lump will disappear within a few days. But if after a collision, you lose consciousness, vomiting, or seizures, immediately consult a doctor.i.
Hair that fails to grow
Hair failure to grow is usually found in people who like to shave. This condition occurs when the hair that should grow through the skin, even into the skin. Hair that is trapped inside this skin generally causes a small reddish bump. Although not harmful, this condition can also be an infection and boils .
Folliculitis (infection of hair follicles)
Folliculitis is an infection or inflammation of the hair follicles, commonly caused by bacterial and fungal infections. The lump of folliculitis is red or white, and is small as a pimple. This condition is not harmful, but can cause itching, hair loss, and baldness.
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is a tumor that grows in the deepest layer of skin and is malignant. This condition is the most common type of cancer. The color can be red or pink with a shape such as wounds, scars, or bumps. The cause is intense exposure to sunlight.
Lipoma
Lipoma is a benign fatty tumor that feels soft and tender when held and can be shifted. Lipomas are rarely seen in the head, and more often appear on the shoulders and neck. Lipoma does not cause pain. However, if the size continues to grow, doctors may recommend surgical removal of the tumor.
Epidermoid cysts
Epidermoid cysts generally grow under the skin of the face and scalp. The size can be large or small, and often painless. The cause of epidermoid cyst is the accumulation of keratin, which is a skin-forming protein. If unobtrusive, these cysts usually do not need to be treated because it is harmless.
Pillar cyst
Same with epidermoid cysts, pillar cysts are lumpy and generally grow on the scalp. These cysts also do not cause pain, but can disrupt the appearance if the size is large.
Seborrhoeic keratosis
Seborrhoeic keratosis is a small lump similar to a mole or wart, which usually grows in the head or neck of an elderly person. The shape is somewhat similar to skin cancer, but seborrheic keratosis is actually benign and harmless. However, you can still eliminate it through a procedure of cryotherapy (frozen surgery) or electrical surgery, which is done by a doctor.
Pilomatriksoma
Pilomatriksoma is a tumor in the hair follicle that is benign. 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 in other body parts.
Eksostosis
Eksostosis is an abnormal growth above the bone. This condition is rare in the head and the cause is not known for certain. Eskostosis can cause pain, but it can be painless as well. Handling this condition is generally done if complications have occurred.
When is a Lump in the Back of the Head Said to be Dangerous?
As mentioned before, most lumps on the back of the head are not harmful. But keep in mind, the lump on the back of the head requires inspection and immediate treatment if accompanied by:
- Gag.
- Decreased consciousness or fainting.
- Impaired balance or body coordination.
- The pain disappears.
- Headaches that do not improve despite taking pain medication.
- Have a history of blood clotting disorders, such as hemophilia.
- Never had brain surgery or previous head surgery.
Lumps on the back of the head should also get a doctor's examination if the size increases or turns into an open wound. If you are worried about a lump on the back of your head even if you do not feel pain, visit your doctor to get a thorough examination in order to anticipate the possibility of harm.
