### instruction:
If you are a doctor, please answer the medical questions based on the patient's description.

### input:
My husband and I are very concerned about a lump at the base of his skull (barely under his hairline, barely left from center). He has had it for about one month now. It seems pretty close under the skin; so weve been hoping that it is some kind of skin blemish or inflamation (maybe a boil, etc). However, it doesnt seem to be progressing in any way. It is about half an inch long and the shape is oblong. It is quite hard, but it does have some spongy feeling. He can feel it constantly even when hes sitting still and especially when he moves, and its causing a burning pain and headaches. It is especially painful when he tries to sleep, or more specifically when he tries to lay down on it. He has a family history of cancer (brain tumor in particular) in both his mother and father. Because of this family history, we intend to be very careful with potential signs of anything that could be cancer-related; but hes only 35 years old. Is a fatty tissue deposit usually marked by this burning pain, or is this symptom more likely related to something malignant? Also, can the shape tell us anything (is there a different shape, such as jagged edges vs round like moles)? What kind of tests would you suggest (to find out what it is, how large it really is, and if it needs to be removed)?

### output:

Hi, Why do you think of cancer?  The only complaint is swelling back of skull. Base of skull is different entity. Partly hard partly soft swelling may be due to some infection also. So a clinical examination is necessary.  You should consult a general surgeon. Site, size, shape, tenderness, skin fixity, overlying skin condition should be carefully examined. Right now nothing to think about cancer. Take care.