What should I do if there is swelling, pain, and a hard lump under my jaw?
I have swelling and pain under my chin, with a hard lump that can be felt. The pain becomes more noticeable when pressing on it, and the surrounding area also feels slightly swollen. What could be causing this, and how should it be treated?
Doctor's answer (1)
Swelling, pain, and lumps in the jaw area can be caused by various factors, such as insect bites, folliculitis, lymphadenitis, acne, or lipomas.
The lymph nodes in the neck are common sites of reactive changes following infections. When an infection occurs in a certain part of the body, the corresponding lymph nodes may swell and become painful. Some benign or malignant tumors may also present as lumps in the neck, such as lipomas or thyroid tumors. These conditions may not cause significant pain but may gradually increase in size.
For mild redness, swelling, and pain during the acute phase, cold compresses may be considered to constrict capillaries and reduce the inflammatory response. Apply cold compresses for 5 to 10 minutes each time. Avoid squeezing the affected area to prevent worsening of inflammation or spread of infection. For localized discomfort caused by allergies, antihistamines can help relieve itching and swelling.
Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention for a detailed medical history, physical examination, and necessary imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scan, to establish an accurate diagnosis. The treatment plan will be formulated based on the specific cause and may include medication, surgical removal, or other appropriate therapies.
