What Causes An Enlarged Lymph Node Below The Earlobe?

Posted on Mon, 26 Sep 2016

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

Mon, 26 Sep 2016 Answered on

Mon, 17 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : What is located about an inch below the earlobe and back about an inch (towards the back of your head) on both sides. I woke up yesterday with swelling on both sides, pain to the touch and pain to turn my head in either direction. I can see the swelling in the mirror.

Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It can be a lymph node

Detailed Answer:
Hello

There can be two things causing such a swelling in the region you have described.

The first cause can be a lymph node swelling, which is generally due to an infection in the throat or the upper airway.

The second cause can be due to a parotid swelling. Parotid is a salivary glands located on the side of your face. The common cause for its enlargement is an infection of the glands.

You will need to be examined and may need to start antibiotics therefore please meet your doctor as soon as possible.

Get well soon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D