Various possible conditions cause lumps on the head

The bumps on the head can certainly make you worry. Moreover, the head is a vital part of the body because the brain organs in it have an important role in carrying out all body systems. However, not all bumps on your head are dangerous. On the other hand, a lump in this vital part should not be underestimated. So, what are the possible causes of bumps on the head?

Various causes of lumps on the head that may occur

Lumps can occur on any part of your body, including the head. On the head, this lump can appear on the back, front, above, or even behind your ear. These raised areas can also occur on the skin, under the skin, or even under the skull.

The causes of this lump on the head can be various. Knowing the cause of this lump can help you and your doctor determine the right type of treatment. The following are various medical conditions or diseases that can cause lumps on the head:

1. Head injury

Injury or trauma to the head is the most common cause of a lump on the head. This condition usually occurs due to a blow or hard blow to your head, such as when you fall, have an accident, get injured during a sport, or be physically abused.

In minor head injuries, a small lump on the head is the most common sign. This is the body's natural response to bleeding under the skin. Reporting from the Mayo Clinic, if bleeding occurs in one area, this condition causes bruising and swelling (hematoma) in that area.

Lumps from minor head injuries are not a serious condition and can disappear within a few days with home remedies, such as compresses. However, a head injury can also cause a large lump or even bleeding in the brain, such as subarachnoid hemorrhage. Therefore, you should be aware if the lump on the part of your head causes other symptoms, such as loss of consciousness.

2. Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a skin condition that results from inflammation of the hair follicles, which are the tiny pockets where hair grows. This condition is usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection, which then causes small red or white bumps around the follicles.

Lumps on the scalp due to folliculitis are generally painful, sore, and itchy. In mild cases, the lump will go away within a few days with home remedies. However, folliculitis can also be a serious condition that occurs repeatedly, so sufferers need treatment from a doctor, including surgery.

3. Cysts

Cysts are abnormal fluid-filled sacs that can form in various areas of the body. These sacs have various types, but what can occur on the head are usually dermoid cysts and pillar cysts (sebaceous cysts). Both types of cysts usually appear as smooth, reddish or yellow-whitish lumps on the skin area, including the head.

Dermoid cysts form when surface skin cells move deeper into the skin and multiply. These cells form the walls of the cyst and secrete a soft, yellowish substance called keratin. Meanwhile, sebaceous cysts form when the glands that secrete oil (sebum) become clogged.

These cysts on the head are generally painless to touch. This lump can also be left alone without treatment, unless it causes skin problems or causes discomfort, such as pain from an infection.

4. Lipoma

Lipomas are fat lumps that are generally located between the skin and the muscle layer underneath. This lump is generally pale, tender, and can move when moved with a finger. Although it can grow on the head, lipomas in these areas are rarely seen.

Lipomas are not cancer and the causes of these bumps on the head are often harmless. Therefore, a person who has a lipoma, including on the head, generally does not need treatment. However, if the lump is bothersome and painful, it is possible to remove the lipoma.

5. Pilomatrixoma

Pilomatrixoma is a benign (noncancerous) skin tumor that occurs in the hair follicle. These tumors are common and develop in the head, face, and neck area. Lumps due to pilomatrixoma generally look small and feel hard to the touch.

Either type of tumor develops slowly and does not cause pain or other symptoms. However, in rare cases, these tumors can become malignant or cancerous (pilomatrix carcinoma). The treatment for pilomatrixoma is usually in the form of removal through surgery or surgery.

6. Cancer

In severe conditions, the cause of the lump on your head can be a malignant tumor or cancer. One type of cancer that usually occurs in the head area is basal cell carcinoma, which is the most common form of skin cancer. The lump in basal cell carcinoma is usually a transparent pink color, and can sometimes be bleeding and painful.

Apart from skin cancer, cancer of the head and neck is also a frequent cause of these lumps, such as oral cancer, salivary gland cancer, nose cancer, throat cancer, or esophageal cancer. While brain tumors tend not to be classified as head and neck cancer. As for various cancer treatments, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and other methods, it is commonly done to get rid of lumps on the head due to this condition.

The condition of a lump on the head that needs to be watched out for

Most of the bumps on the head are not serious conditions and do not endanger health. However, you need to be aware of several conditions that may be a serious sign of your lump. Here are some conditions that you need to be aware of and need to immediately seek medical help to overcome them:

• The lumps don't go away or get bigger after a few weeks.
• The cause of the lump is unknown.
• The lump is getting painful.
• There is severe bleeding in the head or face area.
• The sufferer looks confused, dazed, or unconscious.
• Accompanied by other symptoms, such as severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, memory loss, or mood swings (such as irritability).
• Turns into an open wound.
• Returns to grow after being treated or removed.