Why My Left Side Of Face Keeps Swelling Near My Ear?

Posted on 5 days ago

Question: My left side of face keeps swelling near my ear. I am worried sick that it is something sinister. It is really painful and keeps coming and going for the last 12 months. I had an ultrasound scan 12 months ago and my GP was happy with it but I am really concerned I may have cancer or something nasty. Please can you look at the report and advise asap. Thanks Alison

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (6 minutes later)

Ultrasound Scan Report:

Bilateral tiny intraparotid cystic foci seen. Large hypoechoic left parotid cystic area ? parotid dcut as seen in MRI brain scan done in 2018. No obvious blood flow on colour doppler.

Normal appearances of both submandibular salivary glands and thyroid gland. Tiny <5 mm SAD reactive neck nodes seen, however there are no pathological size significant lymph nodes or discrete soft tissue neck masses.

Conclusion:
1. No cause for patients symptoms identified.
2. Bilateral tiny intraparotid cystic foci seen predominently on left likely benign. ? cause

May I say I have no other symptoms at all other than a sore painful neck near my ear

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need some more details

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for your query

I have gone through the scan report. As it says its benign, I can assure you the same because auch cystic lesions are very common in the parotid salivary gland.

To affirm further more, I would like to know some more details like

Does the lesion hurt ?
Have you observed it increasing in size ,?
Is the skin Over lesion normal ?

Waiting for your response

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (28 minutes later)

It is more of like a swelling and yes it is painful

It isn't increasing in size the swelling seems to come and go.

Skin is normal.
I will try and attach a photo

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (1 minute later)

I can't attach photo it says file is too large

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (12 minutes later)

I think I have managed to attach photo

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (8 hours later)

Can this disappear without surgery? Or what treatment can I use to avoid surgery?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
CAN AVOID SURGERY

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back.

Sorry for the delay in my response.

I have seen the picture, the swelling is obvious.

Yes, it can be treated with medications. A course of antibiotics and antiinflammatory medications can help to reduce the swelling by reducing the recurrent inflammation which sometimes could be due to infections acquired from oral cavity.

Also, regular gargling or washing mouth with antiseptic solutions like chlorhexidine or betadine might prevent recurrence.

Regards,

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (3 hours later)

So no need to worry regarding cancer

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (33 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Yes, based on the scan report, there is no need to worry about cancer for now.

Regards,

Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T