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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Discomfort Swelling On Jaw Under Ear?

I have a swelling that is located on my jaw just under the ear, which appears when I eat and then gradually diminishes. I have no real pain- only the discomfort of the swelling- and no fever of other symptoms. I do have a history of xray treatment of my tonsils which was done in the 40's and increases the risk of Head and neck cancers. I also have rheumatoid arthritis.
Wed, 14 Jan 2015
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Swelling under the jaw which increases while eating is suggestive of a salivary gland lesion.
Sub mandibular salivary gland is enlarged in cases of inflammation, infection or neoplasms.
Associated pain and discomfort suggests infection or inflammation of the salivary gland.
However, certain investigations are required before a diagnosis can be made and thus treatment can be started.
An ultrasound of the region and aspiration cytology of the swelling will be required.
Aspiration cytology is a office procedure wherein cells are sampled, spread on slide and stained with appropriate stains.
The cells are examined microscopically and the site of origin and nature of the lesion is determined.
Infectious and inflammatory conditions are managed conservatively and neoplastic lesions are managed surgically.
Consult a surgeon for further work up.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri

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What Causes Discomfort Swelling On Jaw Under Ear?

Hello and welcome to HCM, Swelling under the jaw which increases while eating is suggestive of a salivary gland lesion. Sub mandibular salivary gland is enlarged in cases of inflammation, infection or neoplasms. Associated pain and discomfort suggests infection or inflammation of the salivary gland. However, certain investigations are required before a diagnosis can be made and thus treatment can be started. An ultrasound of the region and aspiration cytology of the swelling will be required. Aspiration cytology is a office procedure wherein cells are sampled, spread on slide and stained with appropriate stains. The cells are examined microscopically and the site of origin and nature of the lesion is determined. Infectious and inflammatory conditions are managed conservatively and neoplastic lesions are managed surgically. Consult a surgeon for further work up. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja Puri