Need Advice on a Strange Lump
Greetings everyone! I'm a 27-year-old male and I'm reaching out because I'm quite anxious about a lump I either noticed for the first time yesterday or that formed recently. This lump is situated on my jaw, roughly midway between my chin and my ear. From my research online, it appears to resemble a swollen submandibular lymph node. However, I'm skeptical about this since it's located on the outside of my jaw, directly opposite where the lymph nodes are typically found. The lump is quite firm, and I'm uncertain whether it's movable. When I feel it through my skin, it seems as though it might move, but when I probe it from inside my mouth beneath my gums, it feels almost anchored to my jaw. I’m not sure if it’s genuinely shifting or if the surrounding tissue is simply affecting the sensation. In terms of size, I estimate it's roughly the same as a pea. I definitely intend to consult with my general practitioner or dentist about this issue, but it may take a few days to arrange an appointment. In the meantime, any insights or guidance from this community would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
Answers (1)
8/15/2025, 1:40:50 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about a new lump, especially one located near your jaw. A firm lump in that area could potentially be a swollen lymph node, a cyst, or another kind of benign growth, but it's important to monitor your symptoms and clarify your concerns further.
Explanation:
The lump you described might be related to an issue with the salivary glands, lymph nodes, or it could even be a benign cyst or tumor. Since lymph nodes can swell in response to infection, it’s also possible that there is an underlying cause. The fact that it feels firm and may be somewhat movable is valuable information but doesn’t provide a definitive diagnosis.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor the Lump: Keep an eye on the lump for changes in size, shape, or firmness over the next few days. Note if it becomes painful, red, or if you have any additional symptoms like fever or difficulty swallowing.
-
Avoid Irritating Activities: Try not to poke or prod the lump too much; this can irritate the area further.
-
Maintain Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene may help, especially if there’s any underlying gum or tooth issue that could contribute to the lump.
-
Document Symptoms: Keep a diary of any changes or new symptoms that develop, including when you first noticed the lump and any associated symptoms.
-
Consult with a Professional: Since you plan to see a healthcare provider, focus on scheduling that appointment as soon as possible. When you do, be prepared to provide detailed information about the lump’s characteristics and any other symptoms you've experienced.
Rest assured that not all lumps indicate serious conditions, but getting a professional assessment is key to understanding what it is and ensuring your health. If you notice any sudden changes or worsening conditions, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical advice.
Related Questions
Is This a Cause for Immediate Concern?
Approximately a month ago, I (23 male) woke up with a sense of fatigue that I had never experienced before. The following day, every muscle in my body seemed to be on the brink of exhaustion. Even simple tasks, like picking up a brush or climbing a flight of stairs, resulted in my limbs trembling and aching as if I’d just completed an intense workout. Around two weeks ago, I began to experience sudden, sharp pains coursing through my arms and legs. It feels akin to having inflammation within my muscles, manifesting as a pulsing and aching sensation. This discomfort is intermittent, accompanied by a notable stiffness and a somewhat numb feeling in the affected areas. Over the last week, I’ve observed that the pain, stiffness, and soreness are flaring up more frequently on my left side, particularly in my arm and wrist. Additionally, I’ve been noticing sporadic spasms in any voluntary muscle on my left side throughout the day; these spasms, which can occur in my arm, hand, leg, foot, or even buttock, don’t hurt but are quite unsettling. For context, similar spasms do occur on my right side, albeit less frequently. Recently, the most troubling symptom prompting me to post here has been related to my voice. For the past few days, I have been experiencing a persistent sensation of fullness in my throat, an excess of mucus residing in the back, and significant difficulty with my vocal cords. When I attempt to sing casually or hit a higher note, my voice cracks, and I find myself needing to clear my throat frequently. This issue has escalated to the point where even raising my voice in conversation triggers the same cracking, hindering my ability to speak comfortably. My throat tightens and aches if I talk for too long, and at times, my voice even trembles. I’m not a medical professional, so I cannot diagnose my condition. I have an appointment with a new primary care physician scheduled for October, but I would greatly appreciate your thoughts on whether this sounds potentially serious and if seeking immediate care at the emergency room would be advisable.
Experiencing Dry Mouth After Sexual Activity
Last Sunday, I had a sexual encounter with a man where I performed oral sex and engaged in anal activities. A couple of days later, I began to experience an intense dryness in my mouth, and despite drinking plenty of fluids, the thirst persisted. Is it possible that I might have contracted a sexually transmitted infection?
Abdominal Sensation Similar to Fish Movement in a 39-Year-Old Male
I am a 39-year-old male, standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 250 pounds. I do not smoke, nor do I take any medications or drugs. Recently, I experienced a rather strong feeling in my abdomen that I can best compare to a fish thrashing about. This sensation was particularly pronounced around the lower center of my ribcage. After consulting with my primary care physician, he suggested that this might be indicative of a hiatal hernia. Since that incident, I have experienced a softer, less intense sensation on occasion, almost like a gentle pulling sensation in my stomach. Could this align with symptoms typical of a hiatal hernia? The initial powerful episode has left me wondering if perhaps it was actually linked to a heart issue instead.
Is it Necessary to Seek Medical Advice?
I'm a 20-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 4.5 inches tall and weighing 163 pounds. My current medications include Concerta, Lamictal, Caplyta, Buspar, and Wellbutrin. Recently, I sustained a wrist injury while attempting to lift a new air conditioning unit up the stairs in my apartment. Although I'm not experiencing any pain, I have been diagnosed with low iron levels, which leads to frequent and spontaneous bruising. The appearance of my wrist is concerning me, despite the lack of discomfort. Unfortunately, I'm unable to share images in this post, but I've provided one in the comments section.
Is Skipping Vegetables Really That Harmful?
Age: 18; smoker. Throughout my childhood, my relationship with food has been quite complicated. I often struggled with a lack of appetite, prompting my parents to resort to various supplements in an attempt to stimulate my hunger. Despite my aversion, they insisted I eat vegetables. Recently, I overcame bulimia, and my current weight is classified as slightly above underweight according to BMI standards. My daily intake primarily includes proteins and carbohydrates, and I occasionally consume fruits. However, I’ve observed that my bowel movements occur every three to four days. This, I attribute to my low fiber intake, but I still find it incredibly challenging to incorporate any greens or vegetables into my diet. My desire to adopt a healthier lifestyle is genuine, and I'm curious about the potential consequences of avoiding vegetables altogether. Will it adversely affect my health or deprive me of essential nutrients? I realize this may sound trivial, but I would appreciate any advice on how to gradually include vegetables in my meals. Despite my efforts, I seem to struggle with maintaining healthy eating habits. 🥲