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What Causes Swollen Lymph Node On Right Side Of Jaw Area?

Posted on Wed, 1 Apr 2015

Question: I have recently (1 week ago ) discovered a small mass on the right side of my jaw right where my ear lobe attaches to my skin but it is deeper than skin ... It is about the size of a pea maybe a little less and I only notice it when I press it and "roll" it over the very back ridge of my jaw ... If I open my jaw or protrude it it sinks back and I can't feel it ... Could this be a lymph node ? Or some kind of parotid mass? It's movable but firm ... I'm 26 year old male, it has not changed in the week I have monitored it .. I have no idea how long it's been there

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Jugulo digastric lymph node...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

The description given by you seems to be related to the Jugulo digastric lymph node.

The enlargement of the lymph node indicates inflammation in the throat and the tonsillar region. Sometimes, the lymph node doesn't recede in size even after the infection subsides completely. Do not worry! It is absolutely normal.

Please refrain from frequent palpation of the node, this can aggravate the pain and inflammation.

Drink plenty of warm water; avoid chilled food and beverages. Antibiotics can be tried if the node is enlarging in size or becomes tender.

Hope I have answered your query; I'll be available for the follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Thank you for the response ... Im worried because it is higher than the jugulo diastric area it is like it is interior to my ear lobe almost on the cartilage on the bottom of my ear canal right where my jaw meets my ear.. Are there other lymph nodes in that area? could Ibe feeling a parotid lymph node?

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Infra-auricular lymph node could be a possibility...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

If you feel, the swelling you palpated is not jugulo-digastric lymph node. The other possibility is infra-auricular lymph node. Parotid lymph node is usually present in front of the tragus.

I still insist, it could be a lymph node because, you cannot roll the parotid gland on palpation, whereas, a lymph node can be.

Hope this clarifies your doubts.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (27 hours later)

Should this go away or is it normal to remain? Should i continue monitoring it for size changes ? What if any characteristics would imply that it is something serious?

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Watch for any increase in the size of the nodes...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

1. In most of the individuals, the lymph node recedes in the size once the source of inflammation or the infection gets cleared. Seldom, it may not regress completely even after the inflammation or infection has subsided and that is not abnormal.

2. Yes, it would be wiser to keep monitoring for any changes in the size.

3. Most of times, the infra-auricular lymph nodes are considered insignificant, unless the individual is having an external ear infection or malignancy of the temporal bone (which is a rare condition).

Hope this clarifies your doubts.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (4 hours later)

Since i have been feeling anxious lately i was looking in the mirror and noticed this lump on my left tonsil (different side from my lymph node issue... Could this be a tumor or a cyst? Should i go get it checked out? )

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
This seems to be a normal tonsil

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

I have studied the image thoroughly and found that the left tonsil to be normal and the right tonsil atrophied.

There is no evidence of cyst over the tonsil or any sign of malignancy.

Hope this clarifies your doubts. Revert back to me if you have any further queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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. Pradeep Vitta