One possibility is a submandibular salivary gland stone. Another possibility is a swollen lymph node.
If the lump is in the submandibular gland, it usually is under the back part of the jaw. The submandibular gland makes the saliva necessary to saturate food in your mouth. Saliva runs from the gland along a tube, or duct, that opens into the mouth under the base of the tongue. When the water content of saliva is reduced, for example during acute dehydration or the use of diuretics, calcium and phosphate in the saliva can form a stone, most frequently in the submandibular gland. If a swelling or stone grows in the gland, the gland must be removed. A stone that forms in the duct is removed without taking out the gland or the duct.
The lump under your jawbone also could be a swollen lymph node. A lymph node can swell from an injury, infection, or tumor in, or in close proximity to, the node. With a cold or sore throat often comes swelling of the glands on either side of the neck, under the jaw, or behind the ears. Swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, fatigue, and headaches are symptoms of mononucleosis, a viral infection often spread by saliva and close contact, and usually linked to the Epstein-Barr virus.
That lump under your jawbone also could be the result of recent dental work. No matter what the reason, you’d be wise to check with your doctor or dentist for a proper diagnosis.
If the lump is in the submandibular gland, it usually is under the back part of the jaw. The submandibular gland makes the saliva necessary to saturate food in your mouth. Saliva runs from the gland along a tube, or duct, that opens into the mouth under the base of the tongue. When the water content of saliva is reduced, for example during acute dehydration or the use of diuretics, calcium and phosphate in the saliva can form a stone, most frequently in the submandibular gland. If a swelling or stone grows in the gland, the gland must be removed. A stone that forms in the duct is removed without taking out the gland or the duct.
The lump under your jawbone also could be a swollen lymph node. A lymph node can swell from an injury, infection, or tumor in, or in close proximity to, the node. With a cold or sore throat often comes swelling of the glands on either side of the neck, under the jaw, or behind the ears. Swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, fatigue, and headaches are symptoms of mononucleosis, a viral infection often spread by saliva and close contact, and usually linked to the Epstein-Barr virus.
That lump under your jawbone also could be the result of recent dental work. No matter what the reason, you’d be wise to check with your doctor or dentist for a proper diagnosis.
