How serious is a painful lump on top of head that causes headaches when pushed on?

A painful lump on top of the head that causes headaches when pushed on can be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition and should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.

While some scalp lumps are harmless, such as cysts or lipomas, others may indicate a more serious problem, such as an infection, skin cancer, or a skull tumor.

It is important to seek medical attention if the lump:

- Is painful

- Is growing rapidly

- Is hard or fixed

- Is accompanied by other symptoms, such as headaches, fever, or vision changes

If the lump is found to be cancerous, prompt treatment is essential to increase the chances of a successful outcome.

It is also important to note that not all painful scalp lumps are caused by cancer.

Other causes of scalp pain can include:

- Infection: A scalp infection, such as folliculitis (inflammation of a hair follicle) or cellulitis (infection of the skin), can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness.

- Skin conditions: Certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, can cause itchy, painful, and scaly patches on the scalp.

- Nerve damage: Nerve damage, such as that caused by a head injury, can lead to chronic scalp pain.

- Muscle tension: Muscle tension, such as that caused by stress or poor posture, can also cause scalp pain.

If you are experiencing scalp pain, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.