Suggest Treatment For Swollen And Painful Postauricular Lymph Node

Posted on Thu, 5 Feb 2015

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

Thu, 5 Feb 2015 Answered on

Wed, 4 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Woke up three days ago with a swollen and painful Postauricular Lymph Node. I am extremely concerned that it may be cancer as I have no signs of any other injury, damage, illness or infection. Further to the point, I have had tenderness in the cheek on that side for some time following a recent bout of Bell's Palsy. Help!

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Its not a cancer sign. Inflammation seems most probable.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

Single lymph node enlargement is not a sign of a cancer. Especially if the lymph node is painful and swollen.
Please note that cancer node is painless, hard and grows slowly. In case of lymphoma, multiply lymph nodes are characteristic.

Single painful and swollen lymph node in such location indicates an inflammation in surrounding area. It might be ear infection, teeth infection, throat infection or some skin infection.

As infection in head area is much more dangerous than in any other location (it is close to the brain), I suggest you to consult laryngologist. Antibiotic treatment seems necessary.

Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar