Finding a lump on your neck, back, or behind your ear can be a scary surprise—especially when you notice it out of nowhere while brushing your hair, showering, or checking the mirror. Your mind can instantly jump to worst-case scenarios, but the truth is that many lumps under the skin are common and harmless. Still, because a lump can sometimes be your body’s way of signaling that something needs attention, it’s important to understand what it might be and when it’s worth getting checked.
One of the most frequent causes is an epidermoid cyst, a benign (non-cancerous) bump that forms just under the skin. These cysts often appear on areas like the neck, back, face, or behind the ears and usually grow slowly over time. They develop when skin cells don’t shed properly and instead become trapped, forming a small sac beneath the surface.
Inside an epidermoid cyst is keratin, a thick protein also found in hair and nails. Most of the time, these cysts don’t hurt and don’t cause problems—but they can become irritated or infected. When that happens, the lump may turn red, swell, feel warm or tender, and in some cases may leak fluid with an unpleasant smell. Certain factors can increase the chance of developing cysts, including blocked pores, acne-prone skin, minor injuries, and even rare genetic conditions like Gardner syndrome. They’re also more commonly seen in adults, especially men.
Although it may feel tempting to squeeze or drain a lump at home, doing so can lead to infection, scarring, and worse inflammation. The safest approach is to watch for warning signs and seek medical advice if needed. A doctor should evaluate a lump if it grows quickly, becomes painful, changes shape or color, feels unusually hard, or comes with symptoms like fever, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss. Most lumps end up being harmless, but paying attention early can give you clarity—and peace of mind—before it becomes something more serious.