Persistent Lumps Under the Jaw: When to Seek Help

Q: Persistent Lumps Under the Jaw: When to Seek Help

Xiao Tong： Your lump appears to be a lymph node. <br>It can become inflamed significantly in response to a bacterial infection. <br>This is due to the battle between white blood cells and pathogens within the lymph node. <br>It could also be an excessive immune response. <br>If y

Regarding the small lump under the skin..?

Hello Dr.
Fan,
I have some questions I would like to ask, thank you! When I was in elementary school (around 10 years old), my relatives accidentally discovered some small, round, painless lumps near my lower jaw (on the left side of my cheek close to the bottom).
After consulting with a doctor at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, I was told it was nothing to worry about.
However, since I tend to develop high fevers whenever I catch a cold, I followed the doctor's advice and had my tonsils removed at that time.

Now, over ten years later, I am 24 years old, but the small lumps near my lower jaw and under my chin are still present.
They have neither increased nor decreased in size.
However, whenever I exhibit symptoms of illness or feel overly fatigued, the lumps under my chin become somewhat swollen and can be painful.
If I touch or press on them, I can clearly feel the pain.
Once I recover from the illness or am not too tired, they return to their original size.
(The lump near my lower jaw is fixed and measures less than one centimeter in diameter, while there are several lumps under my chin on both sides.
Most of them are small and not noticeable unless I lift my hand to look, but there is one larger lump that is clearly visible when I lift my hand, and it is also the one that hurts each time.)
Recently, I have been reading about lymphatic issues, which has caused me some concern.
I would like to ask how long the incubation period is for lymph-related diseases? Is it normal for the small lymph nodes near my lower jaw and under my chin to persist for over ten years without disappearing? If I want to visit a clinic, which department should I consult? Thank you.

Xiao Tong, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/09/01

Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology

Xiao Tong: Your lump appears to be a lymph node.
It can become inflamed significantly in response to a bacterial infection.
This is due to the battle between white blood cells and pathogens within the lymph node.
It could also be an excessive immune response.
If you wish to seek medical advice, I recommend consulting an infectious disease specialist.
Sincerely, Fan Sheng.

Reply Date: 2004/09/01

More Info

When it comes to persistent lumps under the jaw, especially in the context of your history of recurrent infections and the presence of these lumps for over a decade, it’s understandable to have concerns. The fact that these lumps have not changed significantly in size or character over the years is somewhat reassuring, but it is still important to approach this situation with caution.

Firstly, let’s discuss the nature of these lumps. Lumps in the area you described could be lymph nodes, which are part of the immune system and can become enlarged in response to infections or inflammation. The fact that they become more prominent and tender when you are sick or fatigued suggests that they may be reactive lymph nodes, which is a common response to illness. However, persistent lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes) that does not resolve can warrant further investigation, especially if there are accompanying symptoms such as pain, fever, or unexplained weight loss.

Regarding your question about the incubation period for lymphatic diseases, it varies widely depending on the specific condition. For example, infections like mononucleosis can cause swollen lymph nodes and may take weeks to manifest symptoms. On the other hand, more serious conditions like lymphoma can present with persistent lymphadenopathy without other symptoms for a longer duration. Given that your lumps have been stable for over ten years, it is less likely that they are due to an acute infectious process, but it is still essential to rule out any serious underlying conditions.

As for whether it is normal for these lymph nodes to persist for such a long time, it can be normal for some individuals, especially if they have a history of recurrent infections. However, any changes in the characteristics of the lumps, such as increased size, hardness, or new symptoms, should prompt a medical evaluation.

If you decide to seek medical attention, the appropriate specialist to consult would be an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor, also known as an otolaryngologist. They can perform a thorough examination and may recommend imaging studies, such as an ultrasound, to assess the nature of the lumps. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to rule out any serious conditions.

In summary, while your long-standing lumps may be benign, it is crucial to monitor them and seek medical advice, especially if there are any changes or new symptoms. An ENT specialist will be well-equipped to evaluate your condition and provide you with the necessary guidance. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.

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