I had a parotidectomy in 2012 for complicated chronic parotitis. I am an insulin-dependent diabetic. until Due to a previous stone, the Stenson's duct was severely contorted and caused frequent infection. I have had no problem since then until Tuesday night. I woke up with terrible pain in the area where the gland used to be. There is a knot there now that I haven't noticed before. I also have an earache on that side with drainage. what could this be?