I have a hard lump on my head: what should I know?

The lump may involve the skin, a hair follicle, fatty tissue, or the skull. A cyst, inflamed area, osteoma, or swelling after an unnoticed bump can feel firm. A lump involving nearby lymph tissue can also be associated with head and neck conditions. Head and neck cancer, lymphoma, thyroid cancer, or cancer of unknown primary may present with masses in the head and neck region, but a hard lump alone does not establish cancer.

Describe whether it is on the scalp or skull, whether the skin is red or broken, whether it moves, and whether it is painful or growing. Mention headaches, neurological changes, fever, or other new lumps.

Arrange an examination if the lump lasts, enlarges, returns, or feels attached to deeper tissue. Note when it began and any blow to the head, skin infection, or procedure before it appeared. Do not puncture, cut, or attempt to remove it at home.

A clinician may inspect the scalp and feel the lump, then decide whether observation, imaging, or a tissue sample is appropriate. Bring details of medicines and any history of unusual growths or previous cancer.

Get urgent help after a head injury if there is loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, confusion, worsening headache, weakness, seizure, or clear fluid or blood from the nose or ears. Seek prompt review for a rapidly growing lump, ulcerated or bleeding skin, severe pain, fever, or new neurological symptoms. These signs guide urgency and do not by themselves reveal the diagnosis.

Does this seem to arise from skin, soft tissue, bone, or a lymph node? Could an earlier injury explain it? Should it be measured or imaged? What change would require an earlier review, and would removal or sampling be useful?