The appearance of lumps on the body, like a bump on the head often cause concern. A lump on the head is one location that needs attention. What are the possible causes?
There are various causes for the appearance of lumps on the head. They are generally harmless, but can be a sign of a more serious problem. In order to get the right treatment, let's know the various causes of lumps on the head that may occur.
Here are some causes of lumps on the head:
- Head injury
Head injuries are usually the result of a hard object hitting the head. Generally, when someone gets hit and suffers a head injury, a lump will appear as a natural response of the body, due to blood seeping from the broken capillaries under the skin. If the injury is minor, the bump on the head will usually go away on its own after a few days.
But in some cases of injury, it is necessary to get serious attention. Moreover, after a hard impact occurs, the person experiences fainting or loss of consciousness, clear discharge from the nose or ears, bleeding in one or both ears, continuous headache, and vomiting. See a doctor immediately because a severe head injury can lead to a concussion.
- Tumor on the head
A lump on the head can also be caused by a tumor. Tumors that grow on the head can be benign or develop into cancer. One of the types of tumors that can cause a lump on the head to appear is: pilomatrixoma.
In addition to appearing on the head, it can also appear on the face and neck. The lumps that usually appear in pilomatrixoma tumors are generally painless. However, surgical removal is necessary because this type of lump on the head does not go away on its own. Although rare, tumors pilomatrixoma can turn into cancer.
- Cancer
Cancer in the head is closely associated with neck cancer. This is due to the presence of different malignant tumors that develop around the tissues of the head and neck organs. Types of cancer that are closely associated with cancer of the neck and head include cancer of the mouth, nose, sinuses, salivary glands, throat, nose, and sinuses.
A person who has neck and head cancer will usually feel the appearance of a lump or pain that does not go away around the neck and head, a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty swallowing, and a hoarse voice. To diagnose this disease, it is necessary to do a physical examination and certain tests such as a biopsy to determine the cancer that may be suffered. Several procedures can be performed, including surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
- Cyst
Cysts are closed sacs that are under the skin or inside the body. Cysts that can be found on the scalp include dermoid cysts and sebaceous cysts. The contents of a dermoid cyst can be a collection of hair, skin glands, and even teeth. While sebaceous cysts arise from blocked skin oil glands.
- Lipoma
Lipoma looks like a soft lump, can grow in various parts of the body, including on the head. Lipomas are harmless and slowly growing tumors. There may be pain if the lipoma presses on a nerve. Fat tissue tumors can be single or consist of several lumps, usually measuring no more than 5 cm.
- Folliculitis
This condition occurs due to inflammation of the hair follicles or roots which can cause small bumps on the scalp. In addition, it can also occur around the face. This condition can be caused by an infection in the hair follicles or chemical irritation. It is more likely to be experienced by people with diabetes, obesity, or those with impaired immune systems.
Bumps to Watch Out for
Various conditions can indeed cause the appearance of a lump on the head. However, immediately consult a doctor if the lump that appears:
- The cause is not known.
- It doesn't go away after 2 weeks.
- The size is getting bigger.
- It hurts and is red.
- Feels hard when pressed.
- It grows back after being removed or removed.
- Bloody
- Turns into an open wound.
The doctor will perform a physical and supporting examination, such as an ultrasound examination, CT scan, or biopsy to determine the cause.
Treatment for a lump on the head must be tailored to the cause. Therefore, it is important to find out the cause of the lump on the head by consulting a doctor, so that appropriate treatment can be carried out.