Found a Lump on Your Skull? Why Your Skull Is Changing & Medical Next Steps

Finding a lump on your skull can be alarming. It's natural to wonder why your skull feels different or whether something serious is happening. The good news is that many skull lumps are harmless. However, some changes do require medical evaluation.

Understanding what might cause a skull lump — and knowing the right next steps — can help you stay calm while taking smart action.

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First: Is It Really Your Skull?

Before assuming the bone itself has changed, it's important to know that many "skull lumps" are actually caused by:

• Skin cysts
• Lipomas (fatty growths)
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Localized swelling from minor injury
• Infections of the scalp

The scalp has multiple layers above the skull bone. A lump may feel hard, but that doesn't always mean it's coming from the bone itself.

A doctor can usually tell the difference through a physical exam and, if needed, imaging such as a CT scan or MRI.

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Common Causes of a Lump on the Skull

Here are the most frequent medical explanations, ranging from harmless to more serious.

1. Sebaceous (Epidermoid) Cysts

These are very common and usually harmless.

• Form under the skin
• Often round and slow-growing
• May feel firm or rubbery
• Sometimes become inflamed or infected

They are not part of the skull bone itself.

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2. Lipomas

A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) fatty lump.

• Soft and movable
• Usually painless
• Slow growing
• Common in adults

Lipomas rarely require treatment unless they become uncomfortable.

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3. Bone Spurs or Benign Bone Growths

Sometimes the skull bone itself develops small growths.

Examples include:

• Osteomas (benign bone tumors)
• Bony prominences that develop over time

Osteomas:

• Are usually painless
• Grow very slowly
• Are often found incidentally on imaging
• Rarely become cancerous

These are one of the most common true skull bone lumps.

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4. Injury-Related Changes

A bump on the skull may be related to:

• A recent head injury
• A forgotten minor trauma
• A healed fracture
• A collection of blood under the scalp (hematoma)

Even mild head injuries can leave temporary swelling.

If the lump appeared shortly after trauma, it should be evaluated, especially if accompanied by:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vision changes

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5. Infection

Though less common, infections can cause swelling of the skull or surrounding tissues.

Signs may include:

• Redness
• Warmth
• Fever
• Pain
• Drainage

Bone infection (osteomyelitis) is rare but serious and requires prompt medical care.

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6. Bone Tumors (Rare, but Important to Rule Out)

Some lumps on the skull are true bone tumors. These can be:

• Benign (non-cancerous)
• Malignant (cancerous)

Benign bone tumors of the skull include:

• Osteomas
• Hemangiomas
• Fibrous dysplasia

Malignant tumors are much less common but may include:

• Primary bone cancers
• Metastatic cancer (cancer that spread from another part of the body)

Red flags that may suggest something more serious:

• Rapid growth
• Persistent pain
• Neurological symptoms (weakness, vision changes, seizures)
• Unexplained weight loss
• History of cancer elsewhere in the body

If you're concerned about whether your symptoms could indicate a Bone Tumor, you can use a free AI-powered symptom checker to evaluate your risk and help you prepare for a doctor's visit.

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Why Would Your Skull Change Shape?

The skull doesn't usually change quickly in adulthood. However, changes can happen due to:

• Benign bone growths
• Healing after injury
• Hormonal disorders (rare, such as acromegaly)
• Bone disorders like Paget's disease (more common in older adults)
• Tumors (rare)

Gradual, painless changes are often benign. Rapid or painful changes should be evaluated promptly.

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When Should You See a Doctor?

You should schedule a medical evaluation if:

• The lump is new and unexplained
• It is growing
• It is painful
• You have headaches or neurological symptoms
• You have a personal history of cancer
• The lump feels fixed to the skull and very hard
• There are signs of infection (fever, redness, warmth)

Seek urgent medical care if you experience:

• Sudden severe headache
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Confusion
• Vision changes
• Seizures

These could signal a neurological emergency.

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What to Expect at the Doctor's Visit

A doctor will typically:

1. Perform a Physical Exam

They will:

• Feel the lump
• Assess its size and texture
• Check mobility
• Examine nearby structures

2. Order Imaging (If Needed)

Common imaging tests include:

• CT scan – best for viewing bone structure
• MRI – better for soft tissue and brain involvement
• X-ray – sometimes used initially

Imaging helps determine:

• Whether the lump involves the skull bone
• Whether it is solid or cystic
• Whether it affects nearby tissues

3. Biopsy (Rarely Needed)

If imaging raises concern, a small tissue sample may be taken to confirm the diagnosis.

Most skull lumps do not require biopsy.

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How Are Skull Lumps Treated?

Treatment depends entirely on the cause.

No Treatment Needed

For:

• Small osteomas
• Lipomas
• Cysts without symptoms

Doctors may simply monitor them.

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Minor Procedures

If the lump causes discomfort or cosmetic concern:

• Surgical removal (usually outpatient)
• Drainage for infected cysts
• Antibiotics for infections

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Treatment for Serious Conditions

If a tumor is found, treatment may include:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Multidisciplinary cancer care

Again, these cases are uncommon — but early diagnosis is important.

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Try Not to Panic — But Don't Ignore It

Statistically, most skull lumps are benign. The skull is a strong bone, and true malignant tumors of the skull are rare.

However:

• Persistent changes deserve evaluation.
• Pain or neurological symptoms require prompt attention.
• Rapid growth should never be ignored.

Early medical evaluation leads to better outcomes, especially if something serious is discovered.

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Practical Next Steps

If you've found a lump on your skull:

1. Don't press on it repeatedly — this can irritate tissue.
2. Note changes — size, pain, growth rate.
3. Write down symptoms — headaches, dizziness, vision changes.
4. Schedule a primary care visit.
5. Use a free Bone Tumor symptom checker to organize your symptoms and better understand your condition before your appointment.
6. Follow through with imaging if your doctor recommends it.

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The Bottom Line

A lump on your skull can feel frightening — but most are not dangerous.

Common causes include:

• Cysts
• Lipomas
• Benign bone growths

More serious causes are rare but possible, which is why proper evaluation matters.

If you notice:

• Rapid growth
• Persistent pain
• Neurological symptoms
• Systemic symptoms like weight loss

You should speak to a doctor promptly, as these could signal something more serious or potentially life-threatening.

When it comes to changes in your skull, early medical evaluation is always the safest and smartest next step.