Is the back of my skull supposed to be bumpy? A guide to normal anatomy and when to be concerned

October 2, 2025 •

4 min read

The human skull is not perfectly smooth, but is composed of several bony plates joined by sutures. Feeling bumps on your head is common, and understanding if is the back of my skull supposed to be bumpy can help you differentiate between a normal anatomical feature and a potential health concern.

Quick Summary

The back of the skull can feel bumpy due to natural anatomical features, such as the external occipital protuberance, or other benign conditions like cysts and lipomas. While usually harmless, bumps on the head that change or cause additional symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Key Points

Anatomical Variation: The most common reason for a bumpy skull is the external occipital protuberance (EOP), a normal and harmless bony landmark.
Benign Growths: Non-bony bumps on the back of the head are frequently benign cysts (pilar cysts) or fatty tumors (lipomas).
Injury-Related Swelling: A scalp hematoma, or "goose egg," is a temporary swelling that occurs after a head injury and usually resolves with time.
Red Flags for Concern: Seek a doctor if a bump rapidly grows, becomes very painful, or is accompanied by severe symptoms like confusion, dizziness, or vision changes.
Professional Diagnosis: When in doubt, a healthcare provider can diagnose the cause through a physical exam and potentially imaging studies, offering reassurance or guiding further treatment.

Normal Anatomical Features of the Skull

Feeling a prominent hard lump at the back, center of your head is normal for many people. This is the external occipital protuberance (EOP), a bony landmark on the occipital bone. Its size and shape can vary greatly among individuals, and it is the attachment point for neck ligaments and muscles. A more noticeable EOP is sometimes referred to as an “occipital bun”.

Additionally, the skull's surface is naturally uneven due to the various plates of bone that fuse during childhood, leaving ridges called sutures. A bump on your head, especially if it is hard, stationary, and has been present for a long time without changing, is likely one of these normal anatomical variations.

Other Common and Benign Causes

Beyond normal bone structure, several other non-serious conditions can cause a bumpy sensation on the back of the head. It's helpful to distinguish between hard, bony lumps and softer or skin-related bumps.

Skin-Related Bumps:

Pilar Cysts: These are slow-growing, smooth, skin-colored, fluid-filled sacs that typically form on the scalp and contain keratin. They are usually harmless and can run in families.
Lipomas: A lipoma is a soft, fatty growth that feels rubbery and moves easily when pressed. They are usually painless and are the most common type of soft tissue tumor.
Folliculitis and Acne: Infections or inflammation of hair follicles can cause red, itchy, or pus-filled bumps on the scalp.
Ingrown Hairs: These can occur after shaving and cause inflamed, raised spots, especially in people with curly hair.

Bone-Related Growths:

Osteomas: These are benign (non-cancerous) bone tumors that can cause a hard lump on the skull or face. They are typically slow-growing and painless.
Bone Spurs (Exostosis): Abnormal, hard bone growths can form near joints, including in the neck and on the back of the skull. They may become uncomfortable if they press on nearby nerves or tissues.

Trauma-Related Bumps:

Scalp Hematoma (Goose Egg): After an injury, blood can collect between the scalp and skull, forming a soft, swollen, and tender bump. These usually resolve on their own, but severe head injuries require medical attention.

When to See a Doctor About a Skull Bump

While most bumps are harmless, some symptoms indicate a need for professional medical evaluation. Pay close attention to how the bump feels and any associated symptoms.

Comparing Common vs. Concerning Skull Bumps


Symptom	Usually Benign Causes (Anatomy, Cysts, Lipomas)	Potentially Serious Causes (Rare Tumors, Severe Injury)
Appearance & Feel	Hard, stationary, and present long-term (EOP); soft, movable, and rubbery (lipoma); smooth, firm, and slow-growing (cyst)	Changes rapidly in size or shape; very hard and immovable lump that is new
Pain	Often painless, but may become tender if irritated or infected	Severe, persistent, or worsening pain associated with the bump
Other Symptoms	May include itching (folliculitis) or a sense of fullness (cysts)	Neurological symptoms: confusion, dizziness, persistent nausea/vomiting, vision changes, slurred speech
Associated Factors	Injury, family history (pilar cysts), or gradual onset with age	Symptoms appearing after a severe head trauma, or if accompanied by unexplained neurological issues

Diagnostic Process and Management

To determine the cause of a skull bump, a healthcare provider will typically perform a physical examination, inquiring about its history, any recent head injuries, and other symptoms. For most common causes, this is sufficient to provide a diagnosis and reassurance. However, if there are concerning signs, further diagnostic steps may be taken.

Imaging Tests: To get a clearer view of the underlying bone and soft tissue, a doctor might order an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. These can help rule out serious conditions or identify benign bony growths like osteomas.
Biopsy: In rare cases, if a tumor is suspected, a biopsy may be performed to test the tissue.

Management depends on the diagnosis. Harmless bumps like the EOP require no treatment. Small, asymptomatic lipomas or cysts may simply be monitored. If a benign growth causes pain or cosmetic concerns, surgical removal is an option. For serious conditions, a specialized treatment plan is created by a medical team.

If you have concerns about a bump on your head, it is always best to seek professional medical advice. For more information on when to seek urgent care for head injuries, the UPMC HealthBeat offers a detailed guide.

Conclusion

Finding a bumpy or lumpy area on the back of your skull is a common experience and is most often due to normal variations in bone anatomy, such as the external occipital protuberance. Other benign causes include various types of cysts, fatty growths, and minor injuries that cause swelling. Most of these conditions are harmless and may not require treatment beyond simple monitoring or home care. However, any skull bump that rapidly changes, causes persistent pain, or is accompanied by neurological symptoms like severe headaches, dizziness, or vision problems should be evaluated by a medical professional. Early diagnosis is key to addressing any serious, though rare, underlying issues and provides peace of mind regarding your health.

Optional Outbound Link

For more detailed information on head injuries and when to seek urgent care, you can refer to the resource provided by UPMC HealthBeat.

Frequently Asked Questions

That is most likely your external occipital protuberance (EOP), a normal part of your skull's anatomy where neck muscles attach. Its size and prominence vary between individuals.

Yes, many people can have multiple small, harmless bumps on their scalp. Common causes include pilar cysts, lipomas, or inflamed hair follicles (folliculitis).

Benign growths are usually slow-growing, painless, and have been present for a long time without changing. Bumps that grow rapidly, are very painful, or are associated with neurological symptoms like confusion or dizziness are more concerning.

A soft, movable, and rubbery lump is often a lipoma, a common and harmless fatty growth under the skin. It is generally not a cause for concern unless it becomes very large or bothersome.

A bump appearing suddenly after an injury is likely a scalp hematoma, or 'goose egg,' from bleeding under the skin. While typically not serious, monitor for signs of a severe head injury and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

Yes, but it is very rare. Most bumps on the head are benign. A doctor can evaluate any suspicious or changing lumps with imaging or a biopsy if necessary.

Go to the emergency room immediately if a head bump is accompanied by severe or persistent headache, loss of consciousness, confusion, seizures, or any fluid leaking from the ears or nose.