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What Causes Lump Below Jawline On Right Side?
Question: Yesterday seemingly overnight a lump appeared below my jawline on right side at the angle and is about 2 inches long, it is painful when the neck is streched and is fairly hard, and slightly painful to the touch, scared of what this could be. There is noticiable swelling compared to left side, no symptoms of illness, perhaps a little stuffy nose, no trouble swalowing or throat pain.
Brief Answer:
May be a tender enlarged submandibular lymphnode
Detailed Answer:
Hi. Thank you for writing to HCM.
It sounds from your description that this is an enlarged submandibular lymph node. Its appearance overnight and painfulness while stretching of the neck or while touching it is very suggestive of this.
There may be an early infection that is probably subclinical in the salivary glands, oral cavity (dental caries), throat or the nose. Sometimes the infection is within the lymph nodes itself and is called as lymphadenitis.
It is advised that you observe your symptoms. If a focus of infection becomes more evident or you start to develop fever and weakness or start to feel newer swellings in your neck then you must see your physician or an ENT surgeon. In an event that this current swelling increases in size more rapidly and becomes more painful then seek a consultation too.
There is a remote possibility that this is a salivary gland (submandibular) swelling due to obstruction of the gland duct or a rapidly evolving cystic lesion. These need to be examined to confirm.
As an immediate management, you can take an anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen 500 mg twice daily for 3 days and rinse your mouth with antiseptic/chlorhexidine solution after meals for 3 days. This should control your symptoms if it is something mild.
Hope this information was helpful. Do let me know if you have any other questions.
May be a tender enlarged submandibular lymphnode
Detailed Answer:
Hi. Thank you for writing to HCM.
It sounds from your description that this is an enlarged submandibular lymph node. Its appearance overnight and painfulness while stretching of the neck or while touching it is very suggestive of this.
There may be an early infection that is probably subclinical in the salivary glands, oral cavity (dental caries), throat or the nose. Sometimes the infection is within the lymph nodes itself and is called as lymphadenitis.
It is advised that you observe your symptoms. If a focus of infection becomes more evident or you start to develop fever and weakness or start to feel newer swellings in your neck then you must see your physician or an ENT surgeon. In an event that this current swelling increases in size more rapidly and becomes more painful then seek a consultation too.
There is a remote possibility that this is a salivary gland (submandibular) swelling due to obstruction of the gland duct or a rapidly evolving cystic lesion. These need to be examined to confirm.
As an immediate management, you can take an anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen 500 mg twice daily for 3 days and rinse your mouth with antiseptic/chlorhexidine solution after meals for 3 days. This should control your symptoms if it is something mild.
Hope this information was helpful. Do let me know if you have any other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Brief Answer:
Parotitis or lymphnode enlargement
Detailed Answer:
Hi. Thank you for writing back.
A lymphadenitis or infection of the lymphnode would return to its normal size once the infection subsides. Also, now with your description of the swelling being below your ear at the angle of the jaw, it may also be parotitis which is an infection of the parotid salivary gland which is located there. This is most commonly precipitated by dehydration so drink plenty of fluids ( upto 2 litres per day). This too would subside and return to normal once the infection subsides.
If you feel there is worsening of pain while eating food then it points to a parotid infection. In anycase both conditions can easily managed by a course of antibiotics if you develop fever or pain worsens. In addition to this take into consideration my advice from the previous response.
I don't think the massage had anything to do with this.
Hope this was helpful.
Parotitis or lymphnode enlargement
Detailed Answer:
Hi. Thank you for writing back.
A lymphadenitis or infection of the lymphnode would return to its normal size once the infection subsides. Also, now with your description of the swelling being below your ear at the angle of the jaw, it may also be parotitis which is an infection of the parotid salivary gland which is located there. This is most commonly precipitated by dehydration so drink plenty of fluids ( upto 2 litres per day). This too would subside and return to normal once the infection subsides.
If you feel there is worsening of pain while eating food then it points to a parotid infection. In anycase both conditions can easily managed by a course of antibiotics if you develop fever or pain worsens. In addition to this take into consideration my advice from the previous response.
I don't think the massage had anything to do with this.
Hope this was helpful.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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