A painful lump on your head could be caused by a minor injury, infected cyst, ingrown hair, or inflammation—even if you don’t recall trauma. If the lump hurts when pressed, changes shape, grows rapidly, or you experience dizziness or nausea, it’s best to get it medically checked.
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Introduction: When a Lump on the Head Becomes a Concern
It’s not unusual to discover a lump on your scalp, but when that lump on your head hurts when pressed, it raises questions. At Manhattan Medical Arts, we’ve treated many cases like this—some were harmless, others more serious.
Dr. Syra Hanif, our board-certified Primary Care Physician, often sees patients with lumps that appeared suddenly or became painful over time. With years of experience diagnosing scalp bumps, her clinical insights help patients understand when a lump is benign and when it requires attention.
Common Causes of a Painful Lump on the Head
1. Scalp Injury or Trauma
Even without a noticeable accident, a minor scalp injury can lead to a lump that hurts when pressed. This could be a hematoma—an area where blood collects under the skin.
Symptoms:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Dizziness or mild headache
If the injury was recent, applying an ice pack may help. But if symptoms worsen, consult a doctor.
In the U.S., over 2.8 million traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are reported annually (CDC, 2023).
2. Lump on Head Hurts When Pressed – No Injury
If there’s no known injury, causes may include:
- Sebaceous (Epidermoid) cysts
- Ingrown hairs
- Folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles)
- Enlarged lymph nodes
These conditions are common and often painful when touched, especially when infected.
Testing: Your doctor may order a physical exam, CT scan, or ultrasound to confirm the cause.
Results can show whether the lump is fluid-filled (cyst), solid (tumor), or swollen tissue (inflammation).
3. Sudden Painful Lump on Back of Head
A painful bump on the back of the head could be an inflamed lymph node, pilar cyst, or even an abscess.
We’ve seen patients walk into our Manhattan clinic with pea-sized, painful lumps that turned out to be:
- Localized infections
- Swollen lymph glands due to viral infections
- Hair follicle tumors (pilomatrixoma)
Most required antibiotics, and some needed minor surgical drainage.
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Less Common, But Serious: When It Could Be Something More
4. Lump on Top of Head Hurts When Pressed
Painful lumps on the crown of the head could be caused by:
- Folliculitis (bacterial or fungal)
- Seborrheic keratosis
- Pilar cysts (often hereditary)
- Bony growths like exostosis
These can feel hard, round, and sore. If the lump feels like bone, imaging may be required.
5. Cancerous Growths
Most skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma, are painless—but if they become painful, ulcerated, or start to grow, immediate attention is needed.
According to the American Cancer Society, basal cell carcinoma accounts for over 80% of skin cancer cases.
Doctors may perform a biopsy to rule out:
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
- Nodular melanoma
- Merkel cell carcinoma
Diagnostic Approach: How We Test a Painful Lump
When you visit Dr. Syra Hanif, evaluation may include:
- Physical exam (checking size, texture, and tenderness)
- CT scan or MRI (if underlying bone or brain involvement is suspected)
- Biopsy (if malignancy is a concern)
- Lab testing (if signs of infection)
Most results are returned within 24–72 hours, allowing for swift treatment.
Treatment Options
Depends on the cause, but may include:
- Antibiotics – for infections and abscesses
- Incision & drainage – for pus-filled lumps
- Steroid creams or injections – for inflamed cysts or folliculitis
- Minor surgery – for cyst removal or biopsy
- Oncology referral – for any lump found to be cancerous
Always avoid squeezing or popping the lump—this can worsen infection.
When to Seek Medical Help
You should see a doctor if your head lump:
- Hurts when pressed
- Appears suddenly
- Grows rapidly
- Is warm, red, or leaking
- Comes with fever, dizziness, or nausea
Book a virtual appointment now with our Manhattan team
FAQs
Why do I have a bump on my head that hurts when I touch it?
It could be due to a minor injury, infected cyst, or inflammation. If there's no injury and it still hurts, a medical evaluation is advised.
Do cancerous lumps on the skull hurt?
Some do, especially if they press on nerves or become ulcerated. A biopsy is required for confirmation.
How do you know if a bump on the head is serious?
If it causes severe pain, changes in shape, bleeds, or is accompanied by neurological symptoms, it's time to consult a doctor.
What causes painful lumps on the scalp?
Common causes include ingrown hairs, infected follicles, cysts, trauma, or lymph node swelling.
Disclaimer
This blog is for informational & educational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation. For any health related concerns, please consult with your physician, or call 911.
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About The Author
Dr. Syra Hanif M.D.Board Certified Primary Care Physician
Dr. Syra Hanif is a board-certified Primary Care Physician (PCP) dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered healthcare.
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