Seeking Advice on Persistent Jaw Swelling
Hello everyone, I’m a 36-year-old woman, generally in good health without significant medical complications in the past. However, for the last four weeks, I've been experiencing painless swelling on both sides of my jaw, specifically in the submandibular area, and it hasn’t diminished at all. Alongside this issue, I've observed: * Occasional mild night sweats (I’m not soaked, but my shirt tends to be damp several nights) * Ongoing fatigue that seems unrelenting * Unintentional weight loss of approximately 3 kg over the last three months * I haven’t had any recent infections or other symptoms that come to mind I recently underwent a neck ultrasound, and although the report indicated that the glands appear normal with only one small lymph node mentioned, the ultrasound images show multiple enlarged, round structures that appear hypoechoic on both sides. Some of these structures measure over 3 to 4 cm, and a few demonstrate increased blood flow on Doppler imaging as well. This discrepancy between the report and the actual images has me concerned, and I’m uncertain whether I should seek a second opinion or consider a biopsy. I would greatly appreciate input from anyone knowledgeable in radiology or ENT who could examine the ultrasound images and help me determine if my concerns are valid or if I might be overreacting. I'm open to sharing the images via direct message or link if that’s permissible. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Answers (1)
8/8/2025, 6:02:25 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about persistent jaw swelling, especially when accompanied by symptoms like night sweats, fatigue, and unintentional weight loss. These can indicate an underlying condition that may require attention.
Explanation
The swelling on both sides of your jaw could be related to a few different factors, including lymph nodes reacting to an issue in the body (even if there's no overt infection), inflammation, or other causes. The presence of enlarged round structures on your ultrasound, especially with increased blood flow, is particularly noteworthy and can sometimes indicate a need for further investigation.
Next Steps
Here are prioritized actions to consider:
-
Second Opinion: Given the discrepancy between your ultrasound findings and the report, seeking a second opinion from another radiologist or an ENT specialist can provide clarity. They may assess the images directly and offer insights tailored to this situation.
-
Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, including the frequency and intensity of night sweats and fatigue, as well as any changes in weight. This information can be vital for any healthcare provider you consult.
-
Consider Further Testing: Depending on the assessment from a second opinion, your provider may recommend further tests, such as blood tests to check for infections, autoimmune diseases, or other conditions that could explain your symptoms.
-
Stay Hydrated and Rested: Ensure you’re staying hydrated and getting adequate rest, particularly considering your fatigue. Gentle exercises, like walking, may also help you feel better overall.
-
Avoid Self-Diagnosis: It’s natural to research your symptoms, but try to avoid jumping to conclusions. Rely on healthcare professionals to interpret tests and advise on the next steps.
Please prioritize these actions and remember that seeking help is a positive step toward getting the answers you need. If you have more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out!
Related Questions
Conflicting Medical Perspectives on Knee Pain
Over the past couple of years, I’ve consistently played badminton about four to five times a week. Recently, I encountered discomfort in my knee, just below the kneecap. Back in December, I consulted a physician in the UK, who diagnosed me with a soft tissue injury, specifically patellar tendonitis. The recommendation was to take a break from playing for a month and to engage in strengthening exercises. However, after resuming my daily game, the pain returned a couple of weeks ago, prompting me to seek a second opinion from a doctor in India. This physician observed some swelling in my knee and suggested I start a regimen of anti-inflammatory medications along with vitamins, including collagen and calcium. Notably, he advised against any physical activity, even the strengthening exercises prescribed previously. Additionally, I was provided with a compression bandage to wear throughout the day to aid in recovery.
Seeking a Second Opinion on My Recent Illness
At 29 years old, I tested negative for both COVID-19 and influenza on two occasions. However, I was diagnosed with a cold and am contemplating seeking a second opinion on my situation. My illness began on Saturday night; I initially felt fine, but by Monday evening, I was overwhelmed by severe body aches that I've never experienced before. I also suffered from a headache, fever, night sweats, and chills that persisted for two nights. By Wednesday, while the pain subsided, I noticed I was coughing up a small amount of yellow phlegm, and I dealt with diarrhea as well. Throughout this illness, I lost 7 kilograms due to my inability to eat or drink. The only treatment provided was paracetamol. On Thursday, I resumed hydration and managed to regain 2 kilograms. By Friday, I gained another 3 kilograms and felt much healthier overall, though I am still experiencing fatigue in my calf muscles and forearms. An online clinician suggested that this fatigue could stem from the loss of fluids and electrolytes. I would truly appreciate any further insights or opinions regarding my condition, as this concern is weighing heavily on my mind.
Understanding the Preference for Surgical Removal of Ganglion Cysts
As a 41-year-old male, I would like to seek the wisdom of the surgical community regarding ganglion cysts. For more than 25 years, I have dealt with a ganglion cyst located near my joint. I underwent a drainage procedure four years ago, but the cyst returned, which is not surprising. Recently, I consulted my physician, who performed the drainage previously, and he recommended surgical excision instead of drainage this time. While I grasp that complete removal significantly diminishes the likelihood of recurrence, I also acknowledge that all medical interventions carry some risk, albeit minor. In my investigations, I've also reached out to three other surgeons, and they all favored removal rather than opting for drainage. Could anyone provide insight into the common inclination among surgeons towards surgical extraction? I would think draining a cyst presents a minimal risk of infection, and if a patient is amenable to that approach, why not pursue it over a more invasive surgical procedure? After all, this seems comparable to the routine practice of draining blood, which is performed frequently. Am I overlooking any critical factors here? Thank you for your thoughts!
Is It Time to Seek Medical Advice?
Hi there, I’m a 15-year-old female. Since I was about ten, I’ve sensed that something isn’t quite right with my back. It appears that my spine has developed an S-shaped curve, making it seem as if I’m perpetually arching my back. I suspect this condition might be lordosis. However, I’ve come across information suggesting that lordosis can be a typical occurrence. Despite that, my instincts tell me that something is off. Whenever I walk or stand, I experience discomfort in my lower back, abdomen, and hips. This pain intensifies if I remain in those positions for extended periods. I’m uncertain if this is typical or if it warrants concern? Thank you for your help!
Complications After Abdominal Surgery: A Personal Account
Hello everyone, This is my first time sharing on Reddit, and I’m looking for insight on my current situation. Apologies in advance for the lengthy explanation. I’m a 35-year-old woman, weighing 110 pounds (50 kg) and standing 5 feet tall (153 cm), residing in New Zealand. I don’t consume alcohol or smoke, nor do I take any medications. On May 21, I underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy to remove numerous sizeable gallstones measuring over 8 mm. However, just six days after the surgery, I found myself in unbearable pain and had to return to the hospital. Initially, I was misdiagnosed with pancreatitis, and then, after a CT scan, it was determined that I had an omental infarction. For eight days, I dealt with severe vomiting and pain, and doctors even warned me about the possibility of needing an NG tube due to ileus. An ultrasound on the seventh day revealed a considerable amount of fluid in my abdomen. By day eight, I was still hospitalized (two weeks post-surgery), with a CRP of 156, white blood cell count at 270, and changes in my liver function indicators, though I don't have the specific values. The medical team decided to perform a diagnostic laparoscopy, from which they drained one liter of bile from various quadrants. The early conclusion was a bile leak from a small hole in the cystic duct, with no sign of infarction detected. A flat JP drain was placed in the gallbladder fossa, followed by an ERCP that afternoon, where a stent was inserted into the pancreatic duct along with a biliary sphincterotomy and a plastic stent placed in the common bile duct. Unfortunately, I developed post-operative ileus, leading to the insertion of a PICC line and the initiation of TPN on my birthday, June 5. On June 10, I underwent another ERCP to extract the plastic stents, during which a bile leak was confirmed; the stents were removed, and a metal stent was inserted into the common bile duct. Following the procedure, I experienced pancreatitis along with a systemic inflammatory response. Pain management included a PCA system delivering oxycodone. By June 16, a CT scan indicated significant fluid collections, one measuring 47x34x41 mm in the gallbladder fossa and another 146x92x68 mm in segments 6 and 7 of my liver. The next day, an IR-guided drainage procedure was conducted, extracting 500 ml of thick bile-stained fluid and placing a 10 French locking drain. For two weeks, I was given IV Tazocin to address a pseudomonas infection, which made me feel incredibly unwell. I experienced septic shock on June 17. Further imaging on June 23, including ultrasound and MRCP, pinpointed a bile leak from the cystic duct linked to an aberrant post-sectoral duct. Consequently, a PTC was performed along with the insertion of an external drain on June 24. I was finally discharged from the hospital on July 5, carrying both a PTC drain and a surgical belovac drain. Presently, the medical team is uncertain on how to mend the damaged duct. They're considering embolizing the blood supply to that section of the liver, aiming to encourage the duct to close itself. Another potential option involves obstructing the duct completely, both of which are intended to redirect bile flow. The final option on the table is a liver resection, which has only a 20% chance of success. Frankly, I’m leaning towards that; since the tissue in my liver is already compromised by the pseudomonas, anything leading to further tissue death could easily lead to additional infection. During my hospital stay, I lost 8 kg and quite a bit of muscle mass. However, my albumin levels have recently returned to normal at 36. What would you all suggest in my situation? Thanks, everyone!