A hard lump next to the ear may be lymph node enlargement, sebaceous cyst, parotid gland tumor, etc. 1. Enlarged lymph nodes: often appear when lymph node metastasis occurs from head and neck tumors, manifested as single or multiple hard nodule-like lumps around the ear, with unclear boundary and poor movement with surrounding tissues. 2. Sebaceous cysts: As the skin around the ear is rich in sebaceous glands, if the sebaceous gland ducts are blocked, sebaceous cysts will be formed when the cortex is retained, and if the infection is secondary to the tumor, it will cause redness, swelling, heat and pain, which will lead to corresponding symptoms. 3. Tumor of parotid gland: parotid gland adsorbs and grows with the earlobe as the center, when there is neoplastic disease in the parotid gland, hard lumps can appear around the ear. In addition to the above factors, it cannot be ruled out that it is caused by other factors. It is recommended that patients go to the hospital for examination as soon as possible, and give targeted treatment after the doctor clarifies the cause of the disease.