Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Swelling In Between The Jaw And Neck?
Question: I have a swelling that is located between my right jaw and neck. It is painful to touch and is very noticeable from the head on view. I had a cheek salivary gland recently swollen and took meds for it. Could this be an extension of that problem? I do smoke so could that be a factor as well?
Brief Answer:
Please see the answer.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for posting your query on health care magic.
Looking at your symptoms,there can be the following probabilities:
1.)Submandibular Gland enlargement-if the swelling is just below the right jaw,it may be an enlargement of Submandibular gland.
2.)Parotid gland enlargement-if the swelling is just below the ear,behind the jaw,it can be a Parotid gland enlargement.It might be an extension of the problem of cheek salivary gland which you suffered from.
3.)Lymph node enlargement-it can be present anywhere in the neck.It may get enlarged when there is inflammation or infection in the ear,nose ,throat,head or neck.
The swelling is painful.This is suggestive of inflammation in the swelling.
You said that you have a habit of smoking.Smoking may lead to cancer in the oral cavity.Lymph node in the neck may get enlarged due to cancer in the oral cavity.But the enlargement of lymphnode is generally not painful, it is hard to touch and non-mobile.This probability does not looks in your case.But,I advise you to stop smoking as it may lead to cancers in the oral cavity,lungs,etc.
You may take Analgesic with anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen to reduce the pain and inflammation of the swelling.
Also ,it would be advisable to consult an Otolaryngologist Doctor for examination of ear,nose,throat,head and neck to find out any infection of inflammation.If infection is found,Antibiotics may be needed to start.
To find out the cause of the swelling,Ultrasonogram of neck and Fine needle aspiration Cytology of neck swelling may be needed.
Hope this answers your query.I would be happy to answer if you have any follow-up questions.Take care.
Please see the answer.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for posting your query on health care magic.
Looking at your symptoms,there can be the following probabilities:
1.)Submandibular Gland enlargement-if the swelling is just below the right jaw,it may be an enlargement of Submandibular gland.
2.)Parotid gland enlargement-if the swelling is just below the ear,behind the jaw,it can be a Parotid gland enlargement.It might be an extension of the problem of cheek salivary gland which you suffered from.
3.)Lymph node enlargement-it can be present anywhere in the neck.It may get enlarged when there is inflammation or infection in the ear,nose ,throat,head or neck.
The swelling is painful.This is suggestive of inflammation in the swelling.
You said that you have a habit of smoking.Smoking may lead to cancer in the oral cavity.Lymph node in the neck may get enlarged due to cancer in the oral cavity.But the enlargement of lymphnode is generally not painful, it is hard to touch and non-mobile.This probability does not looks in your case.But,I advise you to stop smoking as it may lead to cancers in the oral cavity,lungs,etc.
You may take Analgesic with anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen to reduce the pain and inflammation of the swelling.
Also ,it would be advisable to consult an Otolaryngologist Doctor for examination of ear,nose,throat,head and neck to find out any infection of inflammation.If infection is found,Antibiotics may be needed to start.
To find out the cause of the swelling,Ultrasonogram of neck and Fine needle aspiration Cytology of neck swelling may be needed.
Hope this answers your query.I would be happy to answer if you have any follow-up questions.Take care.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
