Bumps on the head can be caused by direct injury or trauma, acne, cysts, infections, ingrown hairs, bone spurs, or tumors. Most bumps are caused by something easily explainable.
Pilar cysts
Pilar cysts are filled with keratin and originate from the outer hair root sheath or hair follicle. These cysts are commonly found on the scalp and around the hairline, and they can resemble epidermal cysts in appearance and size. Pilar cysts tend to run in families and are usually non-cancerous.
Bumps on the scalp can result from various health issues, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, pilar cysts, hives, or ringworm. Some causes of bumps, such as skin cancer, require urgent medical attention. But often, a person can address the issue at home.
Dermoid and epidermoid cysts These are benign “inclusion” cysts that develop when some skin elements get trapped below the scalp. They may involve the scalp or skull. They are the most common lump or bump. They can grow rapidly or virtually not at all.
While finding a new lump or bump on the head can be worrying, in most cases they're usually harmless. However, it's always worth getting any lump or bump checked out by a GP, as they'll be able to assess and advise how best to manage your symptoms and, in case of malignancy, refer you to the correct treatment.
Emerman says patients who've suffered a head injury should visit the Emergency Department immediately if they: Lost consciousness or became confused/disoriented after they were injured. Suffered the injury at a high speed (car or bike accident, a steep fall, etc.) Are vomiting or feel nauseated.
See a GP if:
your lump is painful, red or hot. your lump is hard and does not move. your lump lasts more than 2 weeks. a lump grows back after it's been removed.
Pilar cysts are usually found on the scalp. They appear as smooth, movable, skin-colored nodules (solid, raised bumps that are firm to the touch) under the skin. There can be more than one in an area, and they can become quite large. Occasionally, they are tender to the touch.
Less commonly, a head or neck mass is a tumor, which is a growth that contains body tissue. A tumor may feel hard or soft, and can sometimes be tender.
A cancerous lump is usually hard, not soft or squishy. And it often has angular, irregular, asymmetrical edges, as opposed to being smooth, Dr. Comander says. In order for you to feel a cancerous lump, it probably has to be rather large and closer to the surface of the skin.
Cysts can develop as a result of an infection, clogging of sebaceous glands (oil glands), or around foreign bodies, such as earrings. Some cysts don't require treatment, but others can progress. Talk to your doctor if your bump grows or causes pain. They can prescribe medication or do procedures to treat the cyst.
They can feel firm or soft. Benign masses are more likely to be painful to the touch, such as with an abscess. Benign tumors also tend to grow more slowly, and many are smaller than 5 cm (2 inches) at their longest point. Sarcomas (cancerous growths) more often are painless.
Bumps on the head can be caused by direct injury or trauma, acne, cysts, infections, ingrown hairs, bone spurs, or tumors. Most bumps are caused by something easily explainable. Bumps are rarely caused by tumors. Most bumps on the head are benign and easily treatable.
Ganglion cysts are typically round or oval and are filled with a jellylike fluid. They are not cancer. Small ganglion cysts can be pea-sized. They can change size.
Pilar cysts are relatively rare benign cysts that grow from your hair follicles. Most pilar cysts surface on your scalp (head), but they can appear on your face, neck, arms and legs. Pilar cysts are sometimes called trichilemmal cysts or wens. Healthcare providers use surgery to remove cysts.
Some cysts, particularly those filled with fluid, may naturally disappear over time. For example, the previously raised spot will likely sink to the level of your scalp if the cyst bursts and the fluid within it drains. The problem is that a lot of cysts that naturally disappear end up returning.
A hard, immovable lump could indicate a more serious condition, including certain types of cancer. Benign lumps like lipomas or cysts are typically soft and can be moved around under the skin.
A cyst on the vagina is a lump or bump filled with air, mucus, pus or other materials. Cysts on the vagina can be undetectable — as small as a pea — or as large as an orange. There are different causes and types of vaginal cysts. Most vaginal cysts are not harmful, but some may become painful if they get infected.
Symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
The most common symptom of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a painless swelling in a lymph node, usually in the neck, armpit or groin. Lymph nodes, also known as lymph glands, are pea-sized lumps of tissue found throughout the body.
Osteomas are benign head tumors made of bone. They're usually found in the head or skull, but they can also be found in the neck. While osteomas are not cancerous, they can sometimes cause headaches, sinus infections, hearing issues or vision problems – however, many benign osteomas don't require treatment at all.