Understanding a Small Lump on Your Child's Temple: Causes & When to See a Doctor

A pea-sized temporal lump in a child is usually benign. Common causes:

• Lymph Node: Reactive to scalp/face/ear infection (viral, bacterial); mobile, tender if acute.
• Dermoid Cyst: Congenital inclusion cyst; midline or lateral, non-tender, slow-growing.
• Pilar (Trichilemmal) Cyst: Scalp, firm, mobile, from hair follicle.
• Lipoma: Soft, doughy, mobile.
• Hemangioma: Vascular birthmark; may proliferate then involute.
• Insect Bite/Trauma: Localized swelling, resolves in days.

When to Seek Care

• Rapid growth, fixation, skin changes (ulceration, discoloration).
• Pain, fever, systemic symptoms.
• Location over sutures (fontanelle in infants).
• Parental concern.

Pediatrician or pediatric dermatologist can diagnose clinically; ultrasound if deep/uncertain. Most require observation only.