Growing lump on the scalp: what to know

A scalp lump may be a cyst, an inflamed hair follicle, a bruise, a fatty growth, or another change in the skin and soft tissue. A lymph node near the back of the head can enlarge after a nearby infection. Some growths are tumours, and a tumour may be non-cancerous or cancerous; the word does not by itself identify the diagnosis.

At an appointment, the clinician may inspect the skin, feel whether the lump is soft, firm, mobile, or attached to deeper tissue, and check for tenderness or discharge. Imaging or a sample may be recommended when examination does not provide enough information.

Book a medical review if the lump is enlarging, persists, returns, bleeds, crusts, or becomes painful. Photographing the area and noting its size and changes can help, particularly when hair makes it difficult to see. Avoid picking, cutting, or trying to drain it. Tell the clinician about recent injury, infection, skin problems, and medicines that affect bleeding.

If testing finds a tumour that needs treatment, the team will explain options, which can include tumour removal surgery in selected situations.

Get urgent help for a scalp swelling with severe headache after an injury, confusion, repeated vomiting, fainting, or new weakness. Seek prompt review for rapid enlargement, an open or bleeding surface, pus, spreading redness, fever, or a hard fixed mass. These signs have several possible explanations, but they should not be left to self-diagnosis.

Ask what layer the lump appears to involve, whether it could be related to infection or injury, whether imaging is needed, and whether a sample would clarify the diagnosis. Ask how to protect the area while waiting and which changes should trigger earlier contact.