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Suggest Treatment For Lump In The Left Cheek
Question: Hello,
Male 33, ex smoker now uses electronic cigarettes.
Non tender firm lump possibly oval shaped around 1cm located on the left cheek, I believe where the masseter muscle is visible when clenching jaw.
Not attached to skin but feels possibly attached to muscle.
First discovered between 4-6 months ago, I believe it has not increased in size and could have been present much longer.
As of one week ago my cheek, just under the eye on the same side started intermittently quivering, now the spasms have become weaker but can be brought on every time I expand my nostrils.
Male 33, ex smoker now uses electronic cigarettes.
Non tender firm lump possibly oval shaped around 1cm located on the left cheek, I believe where the masseter muscle is visible when clenching jaw.
Not attached to skin but feels possibly attached to muscle.
First discovered between 4-6 months ago, I believe it has not increased in size and could have been present much longer.
As of one week ago my cheek, just under the eye on the same side started intermittently quivering, now the spasms have become weaker but can be brought on every time I expand my nostrils.
Brief Answer:
Need exploration and radiographs as well as biopsy if possible
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible. First of all, it is sad to know what you had gone through.
Based on the history you have shared, it needs to be evaluated in detail preferably by an ENT specialist or otolaryngologist to rule out any mass or lump occupying in the oral cavity or extending into bony sinuses or skull causing pressure symptoms on nerves.
A CT head with Paranasal sinuses alongwith guided biopsy if possible even if fine needle aspiration one may help to rule out any mailman nature of symptoms.
Meanwhile OTC analgesics like acetaminophen can be used but tty to limmit ciggerate smoking as it might be associated with many potential risks to your health. Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
Need exploration and radiographs as well as biopsy if possible
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible. First of all, it is sad to know what you had gone through.
Based on the history you have shared, it needs to be evaluated in detail preferably by an ENT specialist or otolaryngologist to rule out any mass or lump occupying in the oral cavity or extending into bony sinuses or skull causing pressure symptoms on nerves.
A CT head with Paranasal sinuses alongwith guided biopsy if possible even if fine needle aspiration one may help to rule out any mailman nature of symptoms.
Meanwhile OTC analgesics like acetaminophen can be used but tty to limmit ciggerate smoking as it might be associated with many potential risks to your health. Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
hi thanks for getting back to me.
can you list the possibilities with the information I have provided you so far?
I have a doctor's and dentists appointment for February.
I have read that Adenoid cystic carcinoma is known to invade the facial nerve and grow slowly, but the lump doesn't appear to have grown since discovery and only seems attached to the muscle below and not the skin.
it also has a well defined border and seems relatively XXXXXXX other than seeming attached to the muscle, it's firm but not rock solid.
could the mass be unrelated to the muscle twitching? possible separate neurological pathology?
if a mass is related to facial nerve symptoms I have read this is a poor prognosis, so would like you opinion on possibilities with the limited information provided.
thanks
can you list the possibilities with the information I have provided you so far?
I have a doctor's and dentists appointment for February.
I have read that Adenoid cystic carcinoma is known to invade the facial nerve and grow slowly, but the lump doesn't appear to have grown since discovery and only seems attached to the muscle below and not the skin.
it also has a well defined border and seems relatively XXXXXXX other than seeming attached to the muscle, it's firm but not rock solid.
could the mass be unrelated to the muscle twitching? possible separate neurological pathology?
if a mass is related to facial nerve symptoms I have read this is a poor prognosis, so would like you opinion on possibilities with the limited information provided.
thanks
Brief Answer:
A repeat CT or MRI and comparison with previous ones should be made
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Thanks for the feedback. Ideally a repast CT scan or MRI and it's comparison to previous ones should be made if any, to look for comparison of the sizes. Though since it has not grown in all this period it will most likely be benign. Hopefully a detailed ENT or otolaryngologist can help to look for treatment options whether to go for resection or biopsy before resection. In.this area differential may include benign lipoma, or bone sarcomas or even muscle tumors but it can be benign cystic swellings as well. Prognosis will depend upon the histopathology reports after biopsy and it's type and stage but most likely it will be good. Regards.
A repeat CT or MRI and comparison with previous ones should be made
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Thanks for the feedback. Ideally a repast CT scan or MRI and it's comparison to previous ones should be made if any, to look for comparison of the sizes. Though since it has not grown in all this period it will most likely be benign. Hopefully a detailed ENT or otolaryngologist can help to look for treatment options whether to go for resection or biopsy before resection. In.this area differential may include benign lipoma, or bone sarcomas or even muscle tumors but it can be benign cystic swellings as well. Prognosis will depend upon the histopathology reports after biopsy and it's type and stage but most likely it will be good. Regards.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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