The mastoid (retroauricular or postauricular) lymph nodes are a small group of nodes behind the ear, lying on the mastoid process over the attachment of the sternocleidomastoid. They drain the scalp above and behind the ear and the back of the auricle.
| Location | On the mastoid process behind the auricle, superficial to the sternocleidomastoid attachment |
|---|---|
| Receives lymph from |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
Filter lymph from the scalp and skin behind the ear.
Postauricular nodes enlarge with scalp infections, external ear infections and rubella. A swelling behind the ear needs to be distinguished from mastoiditis, in which the ear is pushed forward and the bone is tender. They are a drainage site for skin cancers of the posterior ear and temporal scalp.
Enlarged nodes behind the ear from scalp or ear infections or viral illness.
Infection of the nodes themselves, producing a tender swelling that can mimic mastoiditis.
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