Should I be concerned about a lump on the back of my head?

September 26, 2025 •

5 min read

While it can be alarming to discover a new growth, statistics show that the vast majority of lumps on the scalp and body are benign and do not indicate a serious health problem. This is also true for the question, 'Should I be concerned about a lump on the back of my head?', where the answer often depends on the specific characteristics of the growth and any accompanying symptoms.

Quick Summary

A lump on the back of the head is frequently benign and caused by a common condition like a cyst, lipoma, or a minor injury. However, certain symptoms warrant a medical consultation to rule out more serious issues.

Key Points

Commonly Benign: Most lumps on the back of the head, such as cysts and lipomas, are harmless and do not require urgent medical intervention.
Monitor for Changes: Pay close attention to the lump's size, texture, and any changes over time. Rapid growth or alterations are key indicators for a doctor's visit.
Know Warning Signs: Accompanying symptoms like severe headache, dizziness, or rapid growth following a head injury signal a need for immediate medical evaluation.
Cause Varies: A lump can result from simple trauma, an infected hair follicle, or a benign growth. A doctor can help determine the specific cause.
Diagnosis is Key: A healthcare provider can diagnose the lump's cause through a physical exam and, if necessary, additional tests like imaging or a biopsy.
Don't Self-Diagnose: While this guide offers helpful information, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

Understanding the Common Causes of a Head Lump

Upon discovering a lump on the back of your head, it's natural to feel concerned. The good news is that most of these bumps are harmless and result from common, non-cancerous conditions. Understanding the potential causes can help you assess the situation more calmly and determine the appropriate next steps.

Benign Cysts and Growths

Several types of cysts and growths frequently appear on the scalp and can feel like a firm or soft lump.

Pilar Cysts: These are the most common type of scalp cyst. They originate from hair follicle roots and contain a buildup of keratin, a protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails. Pilar cysts are smooth, firm, and moveable, and they rarely cause pain unless they become inflamed or infected. They are generally harmless and grow slowly.
Epidermoid Cysts: Similar to pilar cysts but less common on the scalp, these form from skin cells trapped beneath the surface. They can have a small dark dot in the center and may produce a thick, cheese-like substance if ruptured.
Lipomas: A lipoma is a benign tumor made of fatty tissue that grows slowly beneath the skin. These are typically soft, doughy, and mobile to the touch. They don't usually cause pain and often feel rubbery. Lipomas are a very common cause of lumps anywhere on the body, including the scalp.
Seborrheic Keratosis: These are non-cancerous skin growths that can appear waxy, scaly, or bumpy. While they are a type of skin lesion, they can be mistaken for a lump, especially on the back of the head where they may be difficult to see.

Trauma and Injury

Any bump or fall can cause a visible lump on the head. This is often a result of swelling or a hematoma, which is a collection of blood under the skin.

Scalp Hematoma: A hematoma forms when blood vessels under the skin rupture due to injury, creating a bruise-like swelling. These can feel firm and painful initially but typically soften over time as the blood is reabsorbed by the body.
Bone Spurs (Osteomas): These are bony lumps that grow on the surface of the skull. While they can develop from repeated minor trauma, they are often congenital and present from birth. They are hard, immobile, and typically painless.

Other Potential Causes

Less common reasons for a lump can include infections or inflammation.

Folliculitis: This is an inflammation or infection of the hair follicles. It can present as small, red, pimple-like bumps that may be tender or itchy. It's often caused by bacteria or fungus.
Lymph Nodes: While lymph nodes are primarily in the neck, jaw, and behind the ears, some are near the back of the head. When the body is fighting an infection, these nodes can swell and become noticeable lumps. They usually feel soft and mobile.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most lumps are harmless, it is important to know the signs that may indicate a more serious condition. You should consult a healthcare professional if you notice any of the following:

Rapid Growth: The lump increases in size quickly.
Changes in Appearance: The lump changes shape, color, or texture.
Pain: The lump becomes painful or tender to the touch.
Ulceration: The skin over the lump breaks open.
Associated Symptoms: You experience other symptoms such as severe headache, vision changes, loss of consciousness, dizziness, or confusion, especially after an injury.
Immobility: The lump feels hard and fixed to the bone or deeper tissues, rather than soft and mobile.
Recent Trauma: The lump appears after a significant head injury.

A Comparison of Common Head Lumps

To help differentiate between potential causes, here is a comparison of some common types of benign head lumps.


Feature	Pilar Cyst	Lipoma	Scalp Hematoma	Bone Spur (Osteoma)
Texture	Firm, smooth, spherical	Soft, rubbery, doughy	Firm, then softens	Hard, bony, immobile
Mobility	Mobile under the skin	Mobile, easily moves	May not move initially	Immobile, fixed to bone
Onset	Slow growth over months/years	Slow growth over years	Rapidly after injury	Often present from birth
Pain	Usually painless unless infected	Usually painless	Often tender/painful	Typically painless
Location	Scalp, often multiple	Back of the neck/head	Injury site	Back of the head/skull

Diagnosis and Treatment

A healthcare provider can typically diagnose the cause of a head lump through a physical examination. During the exam, they will feel the lump to assess its size, texture, and mobility. They will also ask about your medical history and any symptoms you have experienced.

If the diagnosis is unclear or if there's concern about a more serious condition, a doctor may recommend further testing:

Imaging Studies: A CT scan or MRI can provide a more detailed look at the lump and the underlying tissue.
Biopsy: A small tissue sample may be taken and sent to a lab for analysis to confirm the diagnosis, especially if cancer is a concern.

Treatment varies depending on the cause:

For Cysts: Small, asymptomatic cysts may not require treatment. If they are large, inflamed, or cause cosmetic concern, they can be surgically removed. This is a common and straightforward procedure.
For Lipomas: These are also typically removed surgically if they are large or bothersome. The procedure is generally minor and leaves minimal scarring.
For Hematomas: Most hematomas resolve on their own over several weeks. A cold compress can help reduce swelling and pain in the initial stages. A doctor should be consulted after a significant head injury.
For Infections: Folliculitis can be treated with topical or oral antibiotics or antifungal medication.
For Bone Spurs: If a bone spur is causing no symptoms, no treatment is necessary. Surgical removal is an option if it causes discomfort.

Note: It's important to remember that these are simplified explanations. A healthcare professional is the only person who can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. For more information on health conditions affecting the head and scalp, consult an authority like the National Institutes of Health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, discovering a lump on the back of your head is most often not a cause for alarm. Common causes like cysts, lipomas, and minor injuries account for the vast majority of cases and are generally benign. However, staying aware of key warning signs and seeking medical advice when necessary is crucial. A thorough medical evaluation can provide an accurate diagnosis, rule out any serious conditions, and ensure you receive the proper care. Your peace of mind is worth a professional check-up, especially if you have concerns about the lump's nature or if it is accompanied by other symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

A dangerous lump is often hard, immobile, and fixed to the underlying tissue. It may also grow rapidly, be painful, or be accompanied by severe headaches, vision changes, or confusion. Any lump that appears after significant head trauma should also be evaluated by a doctor.

While it is rare, a lump can sometimes be an indication of cancer. However, most head lumps are benign cysts, lipomas, or a result of injury. A doctor will typically perform a biopsy to rule out any malignancy if a cancerous growth is suspected.

A pilar cyst typically feels like a firm, smooth, and spherical lump that moves freely under the skin. A lipoma is softer and doughy. A hematoma may feel tender and swollen after an injury. A professional physical exam is the most accurate way to determine the type of bump.

A lump that moves freely under the skin is more likely to be a benign growth like a pilar cyst or a lipoma. These are generally less concerning than a fixed, immobile lump. However, you should still have it checked by a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

This could be a swollen lymph node. Lymph nodes in this area can become enlarged and feel like small, firm, and mobile lumps when your body is fighting an infection. They usually return to normal size after the infection has passed. If it persists or grows, see a doctor.

A bump resulting from a head injury may be a sign of a concussion or a hematoma. If the lump is accompanied by symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, or memory issues after the injury, seek immediate medical attention to be evaluated for a concussion.

You should go to the emergency room if you have a lump on your head after a serious injury or if it is accompanied by symptoms like loss of consciousness, severe headache, double vision, seizures, or confusion. These could indicate a more serious condition.