What does it mean if a hard lump develops inside the ear?
Recently, I don't know when exactly, a hard lump has developed inside my ear. What could be causing this?
Doctor's answer (1)
A hard lump inside the ear can be caused by various factors, and a detailed examination and diagnosis are required to determine the exact cause. Common possibilities include:
Hard lumps inside the ear may originate from ear canal obstruction, sebaceous cysts, otitis media, ear canal keratosis, or cerumen impaction. Ear canal blockage is commonly seen in cases of accumulated earwax or cerumen, while sebaceous cysts result from blocked skin glands. Inflammatory conditions such as otitis media can also lead to the formation of hard lumps within the ear canal.
In addition, inflammatory masses in the external ear canal, such as furuncles of the external ear canal or mastoiditis, are often accompanied by symptoms such as pain and redness and swelling. Ear trauma may also lead to hematoma or inflammation, which can result in the formation of a hard lump.
These lumps may not present obvious symptoms, but during infection or irritation, swelling, pain, or pus discharge may occur. To avoid worsening symptoms, avoid using cotton swabs or other objects to clean the ear canal, maintain ear canal cleanliness without over-cleaning, and avoid direct hand contact or pressure on the ear canal.
Treatment for such lumps should be based on the specific cause and may include methods such as ear irrigation or antibiotic therapy, and should be conducted under a doctor's guidance. If symptoms persist or worsen, prompt medical attention is recommended.
