Painful lump behind ear

Since yesterday , I started to feel pain behind my ear and the pain increases when I eat and there is a lump. Should I worry? I'm waiting to be scheduled for an MRI to rule out fistula and anal stricture. I have already a lot on my plate.

Hello,

My son had one behind his ear a while back and we just happened to have an appointment the next day with GI Doc, she said it was a swollen lymph node he had a zit close by so that is what she put it down to and it was gone within a couple of days. I think you can also get a swollen node there if you have a cold, sore throat or sinus.

I am sure you are driving yourself crazy like I did but it will probably be gone in a few days. Good Luck!

If it's a cold, there's not much you can do about it except treat the symptoms and watch for a secondary infection that sometimes happens. If it gets worse, you probably should see your primary care physician to rule out something like strep throat. Teaching at a college like you do puts you on the front line for contagions unfortunately.