Social media is no stranger to shock content. Every day, millions of users scroll through TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts, only to stop dead in their tracks at something truly unbelievable. Recently, a specific video has been circulating with a “Swipe Up” caption that has left viewers equal parts horrified and fascinated.
The thumbnail (pictured above) shows an elderly man with a massive, unexplained growth behind his ear—but what is actually going on here?
The “Pimple Popper” Phenomenon
Over the last few years, “medical shock” content has become a massive genre online. Thanks to figures like Dr. Pimple Popper (Dr. Sandra Lee), millions of people find satisfaction—or morbid curiosity—in watching cysts, lipomas, and abscesses being treated.
However, the image circulating recently is an extreme case. Unlike the controlled environment of a doctor’s office, this video highlights what happens when medical issues are neglected for too long.
What Are We Looking At?
While we cannot diagnose a patient from a viral image, medical professionals who analyze similar cases usually narrow this down to a few possibilities:
Giant Sebaceous Cyst: These are non-cancerous cysts that grow slowly beneath the skin. If left alone for years, they can reach massive sizes. If they rupture or become infected, they can cause significant swelling.
Neglected Tumor: In some cases, large growths can be benign tumors (like lipomas) or more serious malignancies that have been allowed to grow without medical intervention.
Myiasis (Parasitic Infection): Viewers with a keen eye have noted that the center of the growth appears to have movement or unusual structures inside. In extreme cases of open wounds or necrotic tissue, fly larvae (maggots) can infest the area, a condition known as myiasis. This usually only happens in cases of severe hygiene neglect.
Why Does This Go Viral?
Psychologists suggest that humans are drawn to “gross” medical videos because of a biological instinct. We are wired to pay attention to potential health threats so we can avoid them ourselves. Additionally, seeing the resolution (or the “pop”) provides a rush of dopamine—a feeling of relief that the threat is being removed.
The Important Health Lesson
While it is easy to stare at the screen in shock, there is a serious takeaway from this viral clip: Early detection is key.
Many extreme cases seen online start as small, manageable lumps. Fear of doctors, lack of insurance, or simple embarrassment often leads people to hide these issues until they become emergencies.
The Bottom Line: If you find a lump, bump, or unusual growth on your body, do not wait for it to become a viral TikTok moment. See a medical professional immediately.