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"What is this lump in my ear lobe?"

ZocdocAnswersWhat is this lump in my ear lobe?


Never had ears pierced but have a little lump in my one ear lobe. It is hard and small and is in the middle of the ear lobe. What is it?


Bumps on the body are always a cause for questions to doctors, and usually the only (or at least the best) way to know what is going on is to actually be seen by a doctor. In the absence of actually feeling the bump, the best that we can do is discuss some possibilities. In general, bumps and lumps come from trauma or infection in the past. This may be a pimple or a small scratch that caused some scarring to the area. Other times, people will have a similar small trauma which will heal completely, but cause some reaction to the area under the skin, and a small cyst can be formed. Other times, people will have similar cysts or tracts that they are born with, which can be close to or even on the ear. The key is whether or not it is growing, changing, or acting differently in any way. If it is, then you should see a doctor sooner rather than later. If the bump has been stable (i.e., not changing) for years, then it is probably something that you can talk to your doctor about during your next annual physical or other appointment. Please speak to your doctor.

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