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What Causes Swelling On Ear?

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Posted on Fri, 5 Dec 2014
Question: I SUDDENLY GOT A LARGE SWELLING IN FRONT OF MY RIGHT EAR
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
different possible causes

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The swelling may either be an enlarged parotid gland or enlargement of a lymph node.
If there is a history of any trauma to the area, it is also possible that the swelling is related to this trauma.

Lymph nodes are part of the immune system. They would normally enlarge in response to infection either of the node itself or a nearby structure.

The parotid gland acutely enlarges due to: (1)blockage of the parotid duct by stones.
This stones are build up of salivary deposits

(2)infection of the parotid gland itself

(3)in response to a systemic infection. Parotid gland enlargement can occur in infections such a mumps, EBV, flu,

If you are not noticing any additional symptoms then it is possible that the symptoms are related blockage of the parotid gland

This can be confirmed by a visit to your doctor who would be able to examine you and determine if this is the cause of the swelling.

If it is an obstruction then treatment can vary from: gentle probing of the duct

(2)therapeutic sialendoscopy

If either of these is not effective then minor surgery may be needed.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Swelling On Ear?

Brief Answer: different possible causes Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The swelling may either be an enlarged parotid gland or enlargement of a lymph node. If there is a history of any trauma to the area, it is also possible that the swelling is related to this trauma. Lymph nodes are part of the immune system. They would normally enlarge in response to infection either of the node itself or a nearby structure. The parotid gland acutely enlarges due to: (1)blockage of the parotid duct by stones. This stones are build up of salivary deposits (2)infection of the parotid gland itself (3)in response to a systemic infection. Parotid gland enlargement can occur in infections such a mumps, EBV, flu, If you are not noticing any additional symptoms then it is possible that the symptoms are related blockage of the parotid gland This can be confirmed by a visit to your doctor who would be able to examine you and determine if this is the cause of the swelling. If it is an obstruction then treatment can vary from: gentle probing of the duct (2)therapeutic sialendoscopy If either of these is not effective then minor surgery may be needed. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions