Bump on Head
A bump on head is a common symptom of a head injury. This can be a blow to the head from an object, a fall or any other accident. However, bumps on head can also be caused by other more sinister conditions. For example, a lump on side of head or anywhere in the head can mean cancer. Therefore, if such an abnormal growth is observed, having it examined by a doctor should be a priority.
Cancer of the Head
The most dangerous bump on the head is when it is head cancer. Head cancer most often begins in the squamous cells that can be found anywhere in the body. Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that occurs in the oral cavity. However, cancer of the head does not only begin in the oral cavity. It can develop in the salivary glands, the nasal cavity, pharynx, lymph nodes, thyroid, brain and eyes among others. As all these parts connect in the head, if any one of these are affected by cancer it can lead to cancer of the head. Typical symptoms of head cancer include the lump on the head that does not go away, numbness, paralysis of the facial muscles, ear pain, red patches in mouth etc. Head cancer, if detected early can be treated with chemotherapy, radiation treatment and surgery.
Less Sinister Causes
Apart from head cancer, there are several reasons for bumps on head that are not so serious. However, these reasons should not be ignored. They too might lead to certain complications if timely treatment is not obtained. For example, the bump on head can be due to lipoma. A painless, soft, movable lump on the head can be a lipoma. These are benign tumours that occur in any part of the body. Lipomas are fatty tissue that grows beneath the skin. A person can have more than one lipoma in the body. There is no specific cause for lipoma development. Treatment too may not be necessary unless the lipoma is located in an uncomfortable area in the body or too large to ignore.
Dermoid cysts can also cause lumps on the head. Dermoid cysts are caused by an overgrowth of normal tissue in an abnormal location. Dermoid cysts are most often present at birth and may be located in the side of the head. If you feel a lump on side of head, this can be a dermoid cyst. These cysts may become inflamed and painful, and a visit to the neurosurgeon may be required to remove the cyst.
Sebaceous cysts form in the outer layer of the skin. Often referred to as an epidermal cyst, this occurs due to a blockage in a sebaceous gland. These are glands that produce oil in the skin. When this occurs, a small sac with a fatty yellow substance resembling cottage cheese appears on the skin. Sebaceous glands are not harmful and not cancerous. Most often they do not cause pain. However, treatment will be necessary if this becomes inflamed or infected or becomes abnormally large. Treatment of infected sebaceous glands includes corticosteroid injections, oral antibiotics and surgical removal.
A bump on head of any kind should never be ignored. Head lumps are quite serious matters. Medical attention has to be provided even if the head bump is caused by a fall. Early detection of the head lump will help to diagnose and rule out cancer or any other serious medical conditions. Therefore, any head lumps should be referred to a doctor immediately.