The head is one of the most delicate areas of the body since a blow could cause cranial damage and affect the brain, a primary organ essential for vital functions. Like the cerebellum and the medulla oblongata, the brain is protected by a solid structure of bones that we know as the skull. However, this structure is also susceptible to being damaged by sure blows, which would cause serious problems. Precisely for this reason, we usually take particular care with this area of the body, and when we observe an anomaly, we are scared, such as noticing a lump on the head. However, as we will see below, nodes on the head do not always have to be malignant, and, in fact, in most cases, they are benign bumps. In this FastlyHealarticle, we tell you the causes and treatment of the Lump on the head.
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Bumps from bumps
One of the leading causes of a lump on the head is what we know as a bump. It may seem the most obvious, but we often do not realize it, and we get scared later. If you have received a blow to the head or fallen, and you have thought “it was nothing,” it is likely that it is, but a bump will probably appear if your head has been damaged.
In the head, there are also blood vessels. When we receive a blow in the area, these scalp vessels can rupture and accumulate blood since it does not have deeper tissues to go to. This accumulation of blood is what forms on the head and is known as a bump.
The bumps are not severe in most cases and usually disappear after a few days. Still, special care must be taken, especially in children or the elderly, and pay attention to other symptoms. If the person who has received the blow, in addition to the bump, constantly sleeps or is too sleepy, has a headache or neck pain or has poor eyesight, it could be a somewhat more hard blow. In this case, it is best to go to the emergency doctor. In the following article, we explain when to go to the doctor for a blow to the head.
Fat lumps on the head or lipoma
Another major cause of lumps on the head is lipoma, a fat cyst or sebaceous lump.
In the case of the bump, you know that you have received a blow; however, a lipoma appears without more and is what can scare us. It is not a severe condition, and it is more of a dermatological problem than a head condition. The lumps of fat in the head are merely an accumulation of sebum and debris on the scalp area. Although they look like internal lumps, they are not located between the superficial layer and the skull.
They do not have a specific cause, although they are formed by an obstruction of a part of the polysebaceous follicle that can develop into a cyst. They usually appear suddenly, which gives rise to concern, but as we see, they are nothing more than an accumulation of fat.
As in the rest of the body, in the head, we also have sebaceous glands that, in this case, manufacture sebum or fatty liquid to nourish and protect the hair and skin in the area. However, when these sebaceous glands (which accompany the hair follicle) become clogged, these sebum capsules are formed on the head that we see in the form of lumps. They can develop with the fat under the scalp; in this case, they could slide off when touched with your fingers, but they can also grow from the bone, in which case they are more challenging and do not move.
Some hereditary diseases are usually associated with the appearance of fat lumps, not only on the head, although they are not very frequent. Some are Gardner syndrome, Gorlin syndrome, or congenital panoquinia.
Head lump: could it be cancer?
The appearance of a lump on the head can lead us to think that it is something malignant. Our first thought is that we have a tumor and that it could turn out to be cancer.
To clear up doubts, we will say that, usually, the lumps on the head are not malignant and much less can it be a brain tumor, as we might think.
When a brain tumor occurs, it develops in brain cells. As we have said before, the brain is covered by a bony layer called the skull. Therefore, the brain tumor would appear inside and could not protrude, so it could not form a lump on the head.
However, this means that it can develop inside and enlarge, taking over more brain areas and making the situation worse. Brain tumors can cause headaches, behavior changes, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, memory loss, or paralysis. It is essential to be aware of these symptoms to see a doctor urgently.
Treatment for a lump on the head
Treat the Lump on the head; treatment will depend on its formation.
As we have seen, one of the lumps that may appear is the famous bump. In this case, the node will disappear after a few days. However, you can apply ice to the area to lower the swelling on the spot. Nowadays, there are also some arnica bars that you can rub on the bump so that it reduces and disappears sooner.
In the case of fat cysts, they require intervention since they do not usually disappear on their own, and it is the only way to make them disappear permanently. It is a minor surgical intervention performed under local anesthesia to numb the area. A small incision is made, and the fat accumulation is removed. It is usually closed with staples or with a simple suture, depending on the size of the Lump.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Lump in the head: causes and treatment , we recommend that you enter our category of Brain and nerves.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.