A cyst behind my ear had been causing me quite a bit of discomfort for the past few weeks. It started as a small, painless bump, but gradually grew larger and more tender. Initially, I thought it was just a pimple or a cyst that would go away on its own, but it persisted and became a source of concern. This article aims to share my experience with the cyst, its symptoms, and the steps I took to get it treated.
The cyst behind my ear was located on the side of my neck, just below the earlobe. It was soft to the touch and slightly movable, which made it noticeable even when I wasn’t touching it. At first, I noticed it when I was washing my hair, but as it grew, it became more apparent and started to bother me during everyday activities.
As the cyst behind my ear continued to grow, I began to experience more discomfort. It became painful when I touched it, and sometimes it even hurt when I moved my head. I tried to ignore the pain, but it became increasingly difficult. I also noticed that the cyst was causing me to have a lopsided appearance, which was quite embarrassing.
After a few weeks of dealing with the cyst, I decided to consult a doctor. I made an appointment with my primary care physician, who examined the cyst and confirmed that it was indeed a sebaceous cyst. The doctor explained that these cysts are usually benign and can be left alone if they are not causing any significant discomfort. However, if the cyst becomes infected or starts to grow larger, it may need to be surgically removed.
Since the cyst behind my ear was not infected and was not causing severe pain, the doctor recommended monitoring it and considering surgery if it continued to grow or if the pain became intolerable. In the meantime, I was advised to keep the area clean and apply a warm compress to help reduce swelling and pain.
Following the doctor’s advice, I started applying a warm compress to the cyst several times a day. This helped to reduce the swelling and made the cyst less noticeable. I also kept the area clean and dry, which helped to prevent infection. Over time, the cyst seemed to shrink slightly, and the pain diminished.
However, after a few months, the cyst behind my ear started to grow again and became more painful. I decided it was time to consider surgery. I made an appointment with an otolaryngologist (ENT doctor) who specializes in head and neck surgery. During the consultation, the doctor examined the cyst and recommended a surgical procedure to remove it.
The surgery was performed under local anesthesia, and I was able to go home the same day. The procedure was relatively straightforward, and the doctor removed the cyst along with a small portion of the surrounding tissue. The incision was closed with sutures, and I was given instructions on how to care for the wound during the healing process.
After the surgery, I experienced some discomfort and swelling, which was expected. I followed the doctor’s instructions carefully and continued to apply a warm compress to the area. Within a few weeks, the wound had healed, and the cyst behind my ear was completely gone. I was thrilled with the results and felt much better knowing that the source of my discomfort was no longer there.
In conclusion, dealing with a cyst behind my ear was an experience that taught me the importance of monitoring and seeking medical attention when necessary. While the cyst was not life-threatening, it did cause me a significant amount of discomfort and embarrassment. By taking the right steps and consulting with a healthcare professional, I was able to get the cyst removed and return to a pain-free life.