HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Have Painful Lump On Tongue. Hurts To Touch. Disappeared After Eating. What Could Be This?

My mother is 87. She got up to find a large painful lump under her tongue . She said it was very painful to touch the side of her mouth and to under her jaw . She ate her breakfast ( just a breakfast bar and milk). Then she tasted something really salty. When she finished eating the lump was gone. Can you tell me what this is and what caused it?
Wed, 18 Jul 2012
Report Abuse
  User's Response
Hello,

Thanks for posting your query.

From your description it appears that your mother probably had a temporary blockage of a salivary gland duct. The sublingual salivary glands are present under the tongue.

Possibly the act of chewing the food dislodged the blockade. That would explain the gush of salty fluid she experienced.


As she had the lump for just a day it was probably not infected.

But if she has another such episode it would be best to see your doctor to rule out an infection.

In the meantime it is important to keep your mother well hydrated. Encourage her to drink plenty of fluids as dehydration can predispose to duct blockage.

See that she maintains good oral hygiene also.


Regards.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Dehydration


Loading Online Doctors....
Have Painful Lump On Tongue. Hurts To Touch. Disappeared After Eating. What Could Be This?

Hello, Thanks for posting your query. From your description it appears that your mother probably had a temporary blockage of a salivary gland duct. The sublingual salivary glands are present under the tongue. Possibly the act of chewing the food dislodged the blockade. That would explain the gush of salty fluid she experienced. As she had the lump for just a day it was probably not infected. But if she has another such episode it would be best to see your doctor to rule out an infection. In the meantime it is important to keep your mother well hydrated. Encourage her to drink plenty of fluids as dehydration can predispose to duct blockage. See that she maintains good oral hygiene also. Regards.