I have had a lump on the side of my head above my right ear for the past few months. I was having some pain, an itching sensation, and irritation in the area. I went to see a doctor who mentioned the possibility of a cyst. He referred me to a dermatologist and a skull x-ray. I did not see a dermatologist or have the x-ray done. 
 
I next went to an Opthalmologist as I was having pain in my right eye, irritation, and the sensation of something in my eye. After a short exam, I was told I had Conjunctivitis. I was prescribed eye drops which I took for 5 days as directed. The issue has subsided. 
 
I went to another doctor and explained that I had a lump on the side of my head above my right ear. This doctor mentioned Lymphadenitis. He recommended warm compresses and taking advil. Ater ollowing these directions, there was no improvement. I returned to this ofice and was seen by a different doctor. He mentioned Lymphadenopathy. He prescribed Amoxycillin. I have been taking Amoxycillin from Aug. 4th through the present. I have about 5 days of antibiotic remaining. I returned to this office, as directed, ater 5 days of using the antibiotic. I stated that I felt that the swelling had gone down some. The doctor replied, “I wonder what this infection is from?” I mentioned that I have bad teeth and it could be due to that issue. He looked at my teeth quick and told me to see a dentist. 
 
I went to the dentist, who told me that I needed a wisdom tooth on my upper right side removed. The tooth has been extracted. He did not mention if I had a tooth infection or not. 
 
I still have this lump on the side of my head above my right ear. It seems to be larger than one lymph node, perhaps it is more than one. I also noticed I have some swelling of lymph nodes under my jaw on both sides.  
 
I spoke to another dentist who mentioned the possibility of a skin infection above the swollen area on my head. I was having a lot of itching above the luump area, which seems to have subsided with the use of Amoxycillin. However, the lump itself is still present.  
 
I was wondering if you could give me any additional information in regard to these issues I am having. Should I return to my doctor after I finish the antibiotics? Should I mention the possibility of a skin infection

Dr. Joshua’s Answer:

Infectious lumps are usually tender to the touch, warm, and reddened. Lymph nodes that are enlarged due to infection are also usually tender to the touch. Any persistent lump needs to be evaluated. In addition to infection, irritation and itching can in some cases be a symptom of a skin tumor. Further enlargement of the lymph nodes in the area may suggest an ongoing process that is not being satisfactorily treated. Usually, when infection is suspected, but the diagnosis is uncertain, lab tests such as blood count and CRP are done to help make the differential diagnosis between infection and other causes. If there is a persistent, noticeable lump in the skin, a biopsy may be needed.

While it’s not possible for me to say what is causing your symptoms, I do recommend that you see your doctor to have this problem evaluated thoroughly.