Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 10/19/2009

Question
I have had a hard mass behind my right ear for about 3-4 weeks now.  I recently went to a doctor after a pimple, behind the same ear got extremely infected.  This is unusual, so I decided to go and see the doctor.  He has put me on 1000mg of Augmentin, two pills, twice a day.  It has helped the infection, but the mass still remains and feels as if it is under the bone.  It is not very sore to the touch, almost feels like a bruise,but I have been having headaches daily, ranging from mild to severe, and only Excedrin Migraine helps.  Regular Tylenol or Advil only suppresses the pain.  So, I think that the infection is what got me to go to the doctor and have the mass looked at.  Also, I am a Type 1 Diabetic and my father had Squemass Cell Carcinoma in his left neck area.  My mass is not getting smaller, so what do you recommend that I do?  MRI or CT?  I was told to re-visit the doctor in 6 weeks if it is still present, but I would like to know if it is something more serious sooner than that.  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Without an examination it is impossible to tell you what this is. I may not have anything to do with cancer. But I see no reason why you have to wait 6 weeks. Let an ear-nose-and-throat surgeon check it soonest so that we will know what it is. Good luck!

You have described something on the OUTSIDE of your head (on its surface) behind your ear. By definition that can NOT be inside your brain in the Pons or 4th ventricle area just as little as a bruise on your abdominal wall below your ribs on your right side can be inside your liver (though it is located outside of your liver). Again, a dr. must examine what you have to get any further!