Hi, im a 17 year old female and have recently noticed a hard immovable lump just in front of my tragus below my temple, im quite concerned as its a little painful. I also have a hard bumb on my forehead but this one doesnt hurt at all. I havent bumped my head or anything so not too sure what it is, thankyou.
Hello and welcome to Chat Doctor, A hard painful lump in front of Tagus and below the temple could be due to lymph node enlargement or enlargement of salivary gland (parotid gland). This site is the characteristic location of parotid tissue. However, certain investigations are required before a definite diagnosis can be made. An ultrasound of the region will help to determine the site of origin of the lesion. The ultrasound has to be followed by an aspiration cytology. Fine needle aspiration cytology is an office procedure in which a thin needle is inserted into the swelling and cells are aspirated. The cells are spread on a slide and stained with appropriate stains. The cells are studied for their origin and character- whether neoplastic or non-neoplastic. If neoplastic, the cells are categorized as benign or malignant. After all these investigations are done, a diagnosis is made and then treatment will be instituted. Consult your primary healthcare provider for clinical assessment and investigations. Thanks and take care Chat Doctor.