Ascent Ear Nose & Throat
Ear Lumps and Bumps Specialist In Singapore
Ear lumps and bumps are growths that can form behind your ears, inside your ears or even inside your ear canals. Understanding your symptoms and knowing when to seek medical treatment is vital as early diagnosis and management can reduce the complications of ear lumps and bumps.
Comprehensive Services
Providing the highest standard of ENT care in Singapore and the region.
Accredited Specialists
Senior ENT surgeons with internationally-recognised fellowship training.
Convenient Locations
4 Clinics conveniently located in Orchard, Napier Road, Thomson, and Joo Chiat.
Common Symptoms of Ear Lumps and Bumps
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Small, smooth growths no larger than the size of a pea
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Itching
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Pus or discharge
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Redness or swelling
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Tenderness
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Pain
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Ear blockage
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Hearing Loss
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Ringing in the ears (Tinnitus)
What Are Ear Lumps and Bumps?
Ear lumps and bumps are growths that can form behind your ears, inside your ears or even inside your ear canals. These growths may include cysts (sacs of oil), acne, swollen lymph nodes or keloids (overgrowth of scar tissue).
Complications of Ear Lumps and Bumps
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Hearing loss
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Dizziness or lightheadedness
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Skin cancer
Common Causes of Ear Lumps and Bumps
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Infection
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Acne
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Damaged hair follicles or oil glands
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Mastoiditis (bacterial infection of the mastoid bone)
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Swollen lymph nodes
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Abscess (painful collection of pus due to a bacterial infection)
For Singaporeans & Singapore Permanent Residents
Insurance & Medisave Partners
Certain ENT procedures are claimable under Medisave, and the exact amount would depend on the procedure. For more information, please speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your insurance plan, Integrated Shield Plan, or Medisave.
Diagnosis of Ear Lumps and Bumps
Physical examination
Your doctor will examine your ears to check for visible bumps or lumps that are tender. They may also review your medical and family history to help with the diagnosis.
Otomicroscopy
If the growths are located in the ear canal, your doctor may use a special lighted instrument with a magnifier called an otoscope to inspect your ear canals.
Biopsy
A small piece of the lump tissues may be removed to test whether they are cancerous or not.
Upon receiving a diagnosis, we will guide you through the several treatment options we offer and propose a treatment plan specific to your condition.
Treatment Options for Ear Lumps and Bumps
Treatment for ear lumps and bumps depends on the type of growth and its severity. Most lumps such as cysts, swollen lymph nodes or acne generally clear up on their own over time.
However, if the lumps are causing problems, treatment options may include:
- Surgical removal of the growth under local anaesthetic
- Surgical drainage
- Antibiotics to treat abscesses and infections
- Topical treatments for acne such as the use of products containing benzoyl peroxide or retinol
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Our Main Clinic
Feel free to drop by our clinic and meet our specialist
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Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre 3 Mount Elizabeth #09-03, Singapore 228510
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Other Practice Locations
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
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3 Mount Elizabeth #09-05 Singapore 228510
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Parkway East Medical Centre
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319 Joo Chiat Place #03-02 Singapore 427989
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Mount Alvernia Medical Centre D
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820 Thomson Road #08-63 Singapore 574623
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Gleneagles Medical Centre
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6 Napier Road #03-12 Singapore 258499
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ear lumps and bumps serious? When should I visit a doctor?
Ear lumps and bumps are typically benign (noncancerous) and not harmful. Most lumps such as cysts and swollen lymph nodes should disappear even without treatment.
However, sometimes a cyst may burst, leading to inflammation and infection. This may result in significant pain or even hearing loss. When this happens, you should seek immediate medical attention to prevent further complications.
What increases the risks of ear lumps and bumps?
- Genetics
- Ageing
- History of acne
- Skin injuries
Can ear lumps and bumps be prevented?
No, ear lumps and bumps, particularly cysts, cannot be prevented. However, they can be managed and treated at home if there are no signs of infection. Treatment may include placing a warm compress over the cyst to promote drainage and healing.
Additionally, you should not squeeze a cyst as this can cause scarring and lead to infection, increasing the chances of developing more lumps and cysts.
