Hello and welcome to HCM,
A hard painful lump in front of tragus and below the temple could be due to
lymph node enlargement or enlargement of
salivary gland (
parotid gland).
This site is the characteristic location of parotid tissue.
However, certain investigations are required before a definite diagnosis can be made.
An
ultrasound of the region will help to determine the site of origin of the lesion.
The ultrasound has to be followed by an aspiration cytology.
Fine needle aspiration cytology is an office procedure in which a thin needle is inserted into the swelling and cells are aspirated.
The cells are spread on a slide and stained with appropriate stains.
The cells are studied for their origin and character- whether neoplastic or non-neoplastic.
If neoplastic, the cells are categorized as benign or malignant.
After all these investigations are done, a diagnosis is made and then treatment will be instituted.
Consult your primary healthcare provider for clinical assessment and investigations.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal