Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Forum - Lump where the earlobe attaches to the jaw is painful to the

I have had a lump near my ear for about a week now. It is located just where the earlobe attaches to the jaw. When the lump first formed I investigated the area thoroughly and found nothing visibly different other than slight redness. I have made sure to keep the area clean.
Over the days the lump has increased to about pea size and is painful to touch. It has minor mobility. By gently pinching the involved tissue from the base toward my face I cannot feel an 'end' to the lump as it continues depth wise where I can no longer feel.
I have no other symptoms, no enlarged lymph nodes, no flu or cold symptoms. No headache, nothing.
Any information of differential diagnosis to your best ability would be greatly appreciated.

Replies(1)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on August 17th, 2007

Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Answer A3201

According to the location of that bump (“where the earlobe attaches to the jaw”) and its behavior (“painful to touch”) you could be experiencing an acute inflammation of the parotid gland (parotitis acuta) or a swollen lymph node (lymphadenopathy). Both lesions are found under the skin. If the lesion is at the skin-level it could be either a furunculus (inflamed hair follicle) or an enlarged sebaceal gland (atheroma). You can visit your GP or ENT-specialist if necessary for a precise diagnosis and proper treatment.

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