Under-scalp swelling

Resolved question:

I am from a remote village and so it is not so easy to consult with a good MD. That's why I am discussing this with you. The problem is, I started developing some painless swellings on my head. One is on my forehead while other in temple area. It used appear and disappear at the beginning. Now it is growing bigger and extending up to my forehead. Sometimes, I have mild headaches too. Apart from these, I am quite healthy and normal. What is wrong with me? Please help.

Submitted: 4 Days
Category: Sexologist

Expert:  Dr. John Monheit replied 4 Days.

Hi .Thanks for your query.

There are a number of causes for a swelling around the temple and forehead. I will be listing the most common ones first.

1)Injury to the temple An injury to the forehead causes rupture of blood vessel network in and around the temple and result in swelling. The blood which Is thus extravasated localizes to a gravity dependent area, where it tends to accumulate and settle down. This is called hematoma.

2)Sebaceous cyst - A closed sac containing retained keratin as a result of blocked sebaceous glands, or swollen hair follicles. If infected it is painful.

3)Lipoma- A benign soft tissue tumor of adipose tissue-usually painless, and movable. It can grow upto 2 inches.

4)Neurofibramatosis - This a rare genetic condition where tumors appear at the nerve endings, that compress and damage the nerves. It often presents as multiple lesions where some of them grow to almost 6-8 kgs.

An interesting case is of a Chinese national Huang Chuncai, where he underwent surgery for the second time to remove a lump as big as 23 kg.

Based on your symptoms you could probably be having lipomas. They are usually non malignant and don't require treatment. If they are rapidly growing, a simple excision is considered, where the sample need to be sent for histopathological examination to rule out malignant transformation. Consult a physician whenever feasible to get it examined and managed further.

Hope this helps.

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