I Have What Feels Like A Swollen Lymph Node Right Under My Left Ear Lobe In The Corner Of My Jaw

Posted on Thu, 30 Jul 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 Answered on

Thu, 7 Aug 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi,

I have what feels like a swollen lymph node right under my left ear lobe in the corner of my jaw. I can move it around but it is firm and about pea sized. It has been like this for a few weeks. I havent seen a doctor or taken any medication.

Answered by Dr. Vasudha (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Mostly a lymphoma.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Kavonbadie,
I understand your concern.
*The swelling you have since few weeks...under jaw can be,
- Either an enlarged lymph node under jaw,..due to some infection in your scalp or ear or in oral cavity. As it is painless...it can be just a begining .
-A lymphoma...a growth of lymphatic tissue itself.
* Management consists of,
- Examination of scalp or ear to exclude/find any cause for lymphnode enlargement....If it is found,needs antibiotic or anti inflammatory drugs under a doctor's care as per need.
- Lymphoma is nonsymptomatic in your case &mostly does not cause any symptoms in future too.
Still it needs to be observed for change in size or symptoms.&may need surgical removal if it starts growing.
I hope that answers your query.Any follow-up question is welcome.
Thanks

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

Follow up: Dr. Vasudha (1 hour later)

Lymphoma is nonsymptomatic in your case &mostly does not cause any symptoms in future too.

Hi can you explain the point about and why this is the case just so I can understand. And also do you recommend I see a doctor ASAP or when it is safer to go

Answered by Dr. Vasudha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Can be infected lymphnode,Lipoma or Lymphoma

Detailed Answer:
Hi Kavonbadie,
Thanks for the query.
Let me apologize...I meant to suggest Lipoma & not the lymphoma in the answer.Lipoma is a swelling to small collection of fat tissue between skin &muscles..& all the points narrated in answer go for Lipoma...it is symptomless ,without any trouble in majority of cases...but may need treatment when it grows to cause symptoms.
I wanted to mention about Lymphoma in neck ...this is also asymptomatic to start with..but may show growth & symptoms later in few patients .
* That is why I had suggested to observe the size &other symptoms...
in all the three things...Lipoma ,infected gland&possible asymptomatic lymphoma.
**If you don't have any symptom(like pain, inflammation, fever, fatigue,increasing size,itching...)
you need not be in hurry to see doctor.
*Do not handle or crush or poke the swelling.
*Keep a keen observation for any of the symptoms.
**Consult your doctor as per your convenience ..for local check up & diagnosis AND Asap..if you see any of the symptoms.
I hope you have been answered to satisfaction.Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.

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

Follow up: Dr. Vasudha (32 minutes later)

Hi thanks so much for you help. After I sent that message I also felt around my groin area and I feel another swollen lymph node that is similar to the one I described.

Is this indicative of anything else?

Answered by Dr. Vasudha (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Mostly multiple lipoma.Better to consult your family doctor to confirm the

Detailed Answer:
Hi Kavonbadie,
Thanks for your follow up query.
Multiple Lipomas are possible..specially in young males..family history is positive in many of them.
* So even if you have another lump in your groin,but there are no symptoms as suggested in previous answer...you need not be tense &rush to doctor in anxiety...But ofcourse you can consult yout family doctor for physical examination to support the diagnosiss .Needful treatment advised should be taken.
* Plus ofcourse suggestion given to observe the lump for any change&consultation of doctor if at all you note any change , is essential.
I hope that helps.Any follow up query is still welcome.In case you are satisfied with the answer, please grade the answer before you close the query.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana