I Have A Swollen Lymph Node On My Left Jaw Line And Under My Left Ear. What Is This Caused From?

There are many reasons why your lymph nodes are swollen. The most common infectious causes of swollen nodes are are;

• viral
• bacterial
• fungal
• parasites

They usually become swollen when they are active due to inflammation, cancer or an infection.

Under each category there are many illnesses linked with swollen lymph nodes. For example; Under viral infections the common illnesses that can cause your nodes to become swollen are:

• meningitis
• chicken pox
• measles
• HIV
• Herpes
• the common cold

The best way to properly diagnose why your lymph nodes are swollen is to have examinations and tests done by your local doctor or gp.They will then be able to diagnose the problem and treat if necessary.

• If in doubt...

Remember if you are ever worried about something connected to your health it is always best to get yourself checked out. We can give you advisory information but the advice here is not professional so should not be taken as a solid answer but suggestions as to why your nodes are swollen or other ailments. A doctor or gp can undertake tests and examinations and properly diagnose you so this is always the best course of action.

Swollen lymph nodes in the side of the face or around the ear are the most common and are generally the sign of an infection or are perhaps because you are recovering from an illness or infection. Any type of infection can cause swelling, for example, in this particular area it could be a simple ear infection, toothache, tonsillitis, or even a common cold.

The lymph nodes are part of the immune system that produce white blood cells and antibodies; they help the body to recognize germs and to fight off infection. A normal size lymph node is the size of a pea but when swollen can be the size of a marble or even bigger. If the lymph node is swollen behind the ear and other symptoms are present, such as hair loss or itching of the scalp, it could mean there is a fungal infection. Even an allergic reaction can cause swelling.

Swollen lymph nodes especially in this area of the face and neck are generally nothing to worry about, but it is always best to get checked out by a doctor to be on the safe side. A swollen lymph node due to a viral infection will generally get better without treatment. If a bacterial infection is present then an antibiotic will be prescribed, but they may take a few weeks to return back to their normal pea size.

If a doctor needs to carry out more tests to find out the cause, these will probably include a blood test, CT SCAN, x-ray and maybe even a biopsy. Quite often, by the time you receive an appointment or the results, the swelling has gone completely. There are 600 lymph nodes in the human body and the most common to become swollen are those in the neck and face, underarms and groin.

If you are experiencing weight loss, the lymph nodes are growing and you have a fever then I would suggest seeing a doctor sooner rather than later.

If you haven't gone to an ENT doctor yet - please go ASAP. My husband had a lump on the left side of his neck in about the same spot of yours - his turned out to be Head and neck cancer which thank God is very curable when caught early.

There is a good chance it is not cancer but whatever it is - the sooner you get it treated the better. Other possible causes could be an infection or a blocked gland.

God bless and good luck

I have a lymph node under my chin, and my friend as well. I've visited the doctor several times because I thought this "lump" was cancerous. I took some bloodtests and things like that but they were normal. Anyway, it's pretty normal for young adults too feel lymph nodes under jaw/chin, especially if you're thin.

/A

Most causes of swollen lymph nodes are infection, inflammatory conditions, abscesses, or cancer. The most common cause is infection.

It could be something simple but please get it checked as I had a swollen lymph node a few years ago that ended up being Hodgkin's Lymphoma (a blood cancer)...

Go and get a second opinion o.k. You have that right. Another doctor might think of something that this doctor isn't thinking of. I hope this helps, good luck to you.

I had the same problem the doctor told me to eat lemon and drink a lot of water and if it doesnt go away for about 2 days go back to my doctor.

I have 1 too, I can't seem to have them go away, I will try the lemon and water thing when I get a chance!

I can only really advise that you take a lot of vitamin c with your prescribed drugs. It's been known to assist the healing of infections and that since it improves the immune system. Get some 1000mg dissolve tablets and take one a day.

I also have this same issue. My lump (swollen lymph node) tends to be soft and seems like it moves a little bit. I went to an ENT Dr. Yesterday and he thinks it is just a swollen, possibly infected lymph node. He gave me a prescription for an anti-inflammatory and antibiotic. I have to recheck with him in 2 weeks and if it hasn't gone by then he will order a CT Scan.

It could be strep throat, swollen glands is a symptom of that however, when I had a swollen lymph node, it was mono

Lymph notes swell when you have infections, as well as cancer. Best get it checked...
Is your throat sore? Do you have a fever? Those are some common infections that we experience. Again, get it checked

This sounds more like some type of infection that swollen lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are usually deep enough that they do not rupture and definitely do not drain blood and pus. Ask your doctor to do a culture of the drainage to see if it is bacteria that is causing the problem. Try  using an antibacterial soap to wash this area until you find an answer.  Hope this helps.

I got 1 too