Posted on Thu, 8 Sep 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Question : I have a hard, pea sized "nodule" or bump near my right temple, an inch above my eyebrow. It feels as though it is attached to my skull, does not move and it slightly painful to touch. It has been there for a least a year but I've noticed that although not rapidly growing.. I can notice it under my skin where as before, I could only feel that it was there but not physically see it. When I do touch it it causes painful headaches behind my eye and side of face. Is this something that I need to be concerned with? I realize that I should get it checked out but I'm starting to worry that it could be something serious... What do you think it could be? a bone spur? A cyst? a tumor?

Hello
Thanks for writing to us.
A hard pea sized nodule near the temple can probably be-
1. Osteoma- a benign bony growth.
2. Sebaceous cyst- due to a blocked gland.
3. Lipoma- a benign collection of fat cells.
Since it is painful on touching and is causing headaches, you need to confirm the diagnosis. You need to get this lump examined from a doctor and get a MRI scan for any soft tissue growth and a FNAB (fine needle aspiration biopsy) done.

FNAB is aspiration of the material of the lump which is done by a fine gauge needle (22 or 25 gauge) and a syringe. This will confirm the diagnosis as most likely this lump is due to a benign growth like a lipoma.

Till then, you get this lump examined from a doctor, apply warm compresses on the lump as application of warm compresses will help.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
Regards.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T