Painful Lump Under The Jaw Near The Gland. What Is It?

Hi,
Thanks for writing in.
The painful lump under your jaw would most likely be an enlarged lymph node or a soft tissue mass ( the nature of which needs to be determined). Enlarged lymph nodes are likely to occur in response to some kind of infection. However, in order to pin down the cause of an enlarged lymph node, I would request you to answer the following questions:
a. Do you have any fever, sore throat, running nose or some ear discharge?
b. What is the size of the lump?
c. Is the skin over the lump red and angry looking?
d. Do you have any other co-existing illness or did you have anything in the past, which you feel could be significant?
e. Do you smoke?
f. Do you have any loss of appetite or weight loss?

If this is due to an infection, we need to put you on a course of antibiotics. Steam inhalation and warm saline gargles would help as well. Till we narrow down the cause, I suggest you take Tablet Motrin 1 tablet as and when required. you can take upto 4 tablets daily.

Awaiting your reply.
Regards
Awaiting your reply

---

Hi,
Thanks for writing back.
In all likelihood, it seems to be an enlarged lymph node. Lymph nodes frequently enlarge in response to infections and are usually painful in this condition. Its basically a protective response of your body to fight the infection.
You would need an examination of the ear, nose and throat region to rule out an infection. I think a visit to an ENT specialist would be a good start. This would help us rule out something that can be picked only an exam.
Its not something you need to worry about. In all probability, its a minor infection which will pass away on its own.
Meanwhile, steam inhalation; warm saline gargles and some Motrin as prescribed above would help.
Hope this helps. I will be available for follow ups.

---