Lumps on the back of the head are generally harmless. However, you should remain vigilant if the lump is painful, bleeding, continues to grow in size, or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a persistent headache, fever, and vomiting.
Bumps on the back of the head have a variety of textures and shapes, some feel soft, hard, or change shape when touched. They also vary in size, from the size of a pea to the size of a golf ball.
The lumps that appear are also sometimes accompanied by pain or even no pain at all.
Causes of Bumps on the Back of the Head
The following are some of the causes of the appearance of lumps on the back of the head:
1. Collision or accident
A lump can appear when your head hits a hard object or when you get a head injury from a fall. This condition is a form of the body's reaction to heal itself.
A lump on the back of the head from an injury may be accompanied by purplish bruising or a hematoma on the scalp. This is a sign that there is bleeding under the surface of the skin. This type of lump will generally disappear within a few days.
2. Hair that fails to grow
Bumps on the back of the head can also be found in people who like to shave. This condition occurs when hair that is supposed to grow through the skin instead enters the skin.
These hairs trapped in the skin generally cause small red bumps. Although harmless, ingrown hairs can cause infections and boils.
3. Folliculitis (infection of the hair follicles)
Folliculitis is an infection or inflammation of the hair follicles which is generally caused by bacterial and fungal infections. Folliculitis bumps are red or white and small like pimples.
This condition is generally harmless, but it can cause itching, hair loss, and baldness.
4. Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is a tumor that grows in the deepest layer of the skin and is malignant. This is the most common type of cancer found.
The color can be red or pink with a wound, scar, or lump. Basal cell carcinoma generally occurs as a result of exposure to intense sunlight.
5. Lipoma
Lipomas are benign fatty tumors that feel soft and tender to the touch and can shift. Lipomas are relatively rare on the head and more often appear on the shoulders and neck.
Lipomas are usually painless. However, if the size continues to grow, the doctor may recommend surgical removal of the tumor.
6. Epidermoid cyst
Epidermoid cysts are lumps that generally grow under the skin of the face and scalp. They can be large or small and are often painless.
Epidermoid cysts are caused by a buildup of keratin, the protein that makes up the skin. If they are not bothersome, these cysts usually don't need to be treated because they are harmless.
7. Pillar cyst
Similar to epidermoid cysts, pillar cysts are lumps and generally grow on the scalp. These cysts also do not cause pain, but can be disturbing appearance if they are large.
8. Seborrheic keratosis
Seborrheic keratoses are small mole-like bumps or warts that usually grow on the head or neck of older people. The shape is somewhat similar to skin cancer, but is classified as benign and harmless.
These lumps can be removed through cryotherapy (freezing surgery) or electrosurgery performed by a doctor.
9. Pilomatrixoma
Pilomatrixoma is a tumor in the hair follicle that is benign. These tumors are more common in children and adolescents. The lumps are generally painless and appear on the neck, face, or head, although they can appear on other parts of the body as well.
10. Exostosis
Exostosis occurs when there is a benign growth of new bone on top of normal bone. This condition is generally rare and the cause is not known with certainty. Exostosis can be painful, but it can also be painless.
When is a Lump on the Back of the Head Dangerous?
As mentioned above, most lumps on the back of the head are harmless. However, keep in mind that a lump on the back of the head needs to be examined and treated immediately if it is accompanied by the following conditions:
- Throw up
- Loss of consciousness or fainting
- Impaired balance or body coordination
- Memory loss
- Pain that comes and goes
- Headaches don't get better even after taking painkillers
- The lump is getting bigger or turns into an open wound
In addition to some of the conditions above, you also need to get lumps that appear to your doctor if you have a history of blood clotting disorders, such as hemophilia, or have had brain surgery or surgery in the head area.
Even if it doesn't hurt, you should consult a doctor if a lump appears on the back of your head. The doctor will perform an examination to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.