Two weeks ago I received an knock to the left side of my head just above my ear. For a couple of days I had a bruise and general swelling which has reduced in diameter to a small lump which shows no signs whatsoever of vanishing. It should have cleared up after a couple of days but it hasn't and it's somewhat unsightly as I am not blessed with enough hair to cover it.

I'm guessing it's some kind of cyst caused by tissue displacement or over active cell reproduction during healing. Where can I go to have this swiftly and cheaply diagnosed and, preferably, removed at the same time?

This is probably due to bleeding; blunt injuries to the head or scalp can bleed profusely. The bleeding stops as a result of the pressure inside the hematoma. It will not disappear in 2 weeks but usually takes substantially longer.

Trying to aspirate it or puncture it in any way may lead to renewed bleeding and/or infection. No easy way out here, I'm afraid.

Of course have it evaluated by an emergency room doctor to confirm that it is in fact a hematoma.

Thanks, I'm going to give a wide birth to the 'friend' who did this to me to try and instigate a (drunken) playfight.

ive got something similar to this on the back of my head. Its been there for yrs now since the incident. dont let the revenue raising hospital talk you into having a CT scan

Have a word with your local phrenologist.