What Causes Feeling Of Palpable Swelling Below Ear Despite Having Normal CT Scan?

Posted on Thu, 30 Jul 2015

Question: Curious how I can have a head and neck CT with contrast within normal limits when I can EASILY feel and palpate a mass a few cm below my ear at the bottom of my parotid maybe? I mean easily. Much bigger than a cm.

I'm assuming it's visible on the scan but is just inflamed muscle? Or a lipoma? I mean, this thing is definitely there, and it's definitely bigger than 1 cm.

Why is this scan normal?

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Swelling may be due to enlarged lymph node,lipoma etc.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Small lesions below bottom of parotid gland may be a enlarged lymph node.These are very small lesions and it is of little importance in CT scan reporting.It may be ignored in CT report.

Palpable swelling need clinical examination.These are the sites of lymph drainage from scalp,external ear etc.These lymph nodes may be enlarged due to dandruff with infection,louse infection,,external ear infection etc.This is generally a benign finding and it may resolve with treatment of underlying cause.
However other causes may be lipoma etc.
Ultrasound of swelling can be done if needed.
It is not a serious finding.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

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

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (2 minutes later)

I had a clinical exam! My doctor ordered the CT because of this mass. I am confused.

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can talk to your radiologist.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

You can talk to your radiologist.It may need to corroborate with your complain.
It may also need ultrasound correlation.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

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

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (4 minutes later)

I cant talk to the radiologist and i cant see my doctor until next week.

If the CT is within normal limits, it excludes a cancerous tumor, right? I dont have lymphoma, sarcoma, carcinoma, or any head/neck malignancy?

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes,it almost exclude cancer.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Yes,it almost exclude cancer.It is most likely a benign,minor finding otherwise it must had been mentioned in report.
You can wait for your doctor.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Please rate my answer if you are satisfied.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

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