Anyone know why i have lumps on my jaw?

[bear79]

I've got 2 lumps on my jawline on my face next to my right ear.

I've checked in my mouth to see if theres anything there - theres no swelling and no absess. One lump is bigger than the other and tender to touch.

I've read allsorts now on google from absess to wisdom tooth appearing to tmj. I'm scared it could be mouth/throat cancer - is this possible?

The lumps are right at the top of my jaw right next to my ear - its painful when i sleep on that side at night - infact it kept me awake last night. It feels as if there is pus/water in my right ear...

HELP!!!

[McGonicle]

Hiya,

I have absolutely no medical knowledge, but it is always advised to go and have any lump that appears checked out by your doctor. It is worth doing it no matter how embarrassing it can be, if just for taking the worry out of your mind.

Take care!

[scaredstiff]

As McGonicle has rightly said, with lumps you can't be too careful and should go to the doctor immediately to get them checked out. I had one in a similar place a few years ago, but it didn't hurt. It turned out to be a cyst but I had to wait until it had 'matured' so it could be drained properly. Could be any number of things, could just be the beginning of a new mole, a wart, but as I say, it's no point worrying and trying to guess - the doctor's surgery is the place to put your mind at rest. Hopefully it is absolutely nothing to worry about. Do let us know.

[Zzzdentist]

Yep, that's difficult to say what those lumps are. Rather than take random guesses or read about freaky diagnostic possibilities on the internet, go have it looked at in person at the dentist.

[bear79]

Thanks everyone.

When i brushed my teeth last night i checked to see if there was anything there and as i opened my mouth wider the lump got bigger. It didnt hurt or anything and theres no sign of absess or anything...

I am going to the doctors this morning so i will get it checked out then. It might be just the start of an ear infection *shrugs shoulders* not sure?!

[bear79]

Well i went to the doctor and i got a junior doctor... i know they have to start somewhere but she really couldnt give me any idea what it could be.

It was me saying could it be an ear infection and she was saying maybe so she looked in both my ears and said the right one was looking a bit dull. It was me that said it feels warm and watery and she didnt know if these could be symptoms of an ear infection - i knew because my kids have had them.

So i have anti b's for a possible ear infection.

The other thing is she said it might be from when i had my mouth open for 40 mins the other day at the dentist. She said it looks as though it is swollen on the joint of the jaw.

Is this possible?

I also read that lumps appear there when your mouth is fighting off an infection so in my case it would be the severe gum diesese up there.... is this possible too?

[Zzzdentist]

The area that you describe could indicate that your preauricular lymph nodes are swollen indicating an ear infection. Hopefully the antibiotics should help clear things up. I haven't seen any dental infections or long open mouth appointments resulting in swelling of that area.

info

Preauricular lymph node

• Location: Located in front of the ears.
• Lymphatic drainage: Eyelids and conjunctivae, temporal region, pinna
• Common causes of enlargement: External auditory canal infection.

[bear79]

Thank you for reassuring me - i was hoping you would come on and post a reply!

[bear79]

I've just read the info bit... so its just an ear infection?

[Zzzdentist]

That's what swelling in that area might indicate. It's just really difficult to say for sure. See how the antibiotics go and if that doesn't clear things up, you might want to consult the physician again (maybe a non-student).

You haven't had any injuries to the jaw or any abscessed teeth on the upper right side, have you? One other possibility might be a temporomandibular joint issue. If you search for preauricular swelling, there's actually a host of possibilities. Hopefully the antibiotics will clear the area up, but definitely follow up with the doctor if the area persists.