it could be some scar tissue. I know how worrying something like that can be. I wouldnt worry about it unless it gets larger or if it hurts. you could use some joint and tissue ointment on it and it would help the overall health of the joint and the tissuse around it.

I've had the same thing and just got back the doctor. Specifically what I had was a bump at the very back of my jawbone next to my ear lobe. I first noticed it about 6 years ago. It felt like a button or an m&m under the skin. It was hard and painless and frankly, pretty easy to ignore except for the fact that it was there. A year or so later I went to the doctor for something else and mentioned the lump. He felt it and said not to worry about it. Fast forward 6 years and over time it's gotten a little bigger. It's now about the size of a lifesaver and if I look at myself in a mirror I can notice a slight bump compared to the other side. Last week I went to my regular doctor for something else and mentioned the bump again. Again I was told it was probably nothing, but I was given the option of getting a referral to an ear, nose & throat doctor (otolaryngologist) if I wanted. Even though it doesn't hurt, and has never hurt, there's a bit of stress involved in something being there that isn't supposed to be there. I went to the ear, nose & throat doctor this morning and he said what I have is a "parotid mass". Basically it's a tumor in the parotid gland (large salivary gland). He said these are "very rarely cancerous". (whew!) It is suggested that it be removed because if left untouched over time it can grow and eventually affect the facial nerve or could possibly convert to cancer so it's best gotten rid of, though you do have to weigh the risks of that with the risks of surgery would could also cause some facial nerve damage. Probably the best thing to do would be to see an otolaryngologist and let them take a look. If it's nothing, or it's something but it's not worth touching right now (my understanding is they might opt not to do anything about lump under 1cm or something) then he or she will say so. And if it's something then this is definitely a case of "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". The good news is, it isn't necessarily bad, and wouldn't you like not to worry about it anymore? Best of luck!

It could be a parotid mass, parotitis, or a cyst in front of your TMJ. I would suggest talking to your doctor about having some type of scan(MRI) if possible, to narrow it down. I am in the middle of the process, just had an MRI done, because of a swollen mass right on top of my left tmj. Painless, sometimes soft, sometimes hard, came and went for the longest time.

sometimes thats possible. but from what he is describing i dont think so

eldor i have been able to do the same thing...cracking the jaw and it sounds loud and you can hear it in the ear. i am also in the process of seeing an ENT and may have to get another catscan. the first one didn't reflect anything and so i've been on antibitotics for the past 6 weeks. if there is some progress, i'll let you know. if you have made progress (anyone), please let me know.

Ihave been reading about several issues about lumps under ear lobe. What I have is directly under my ear lobe a knot that came up a few days ago. It did this about 6 months ago to. Its very painful and when I eat it gets worse most likely due to the chewing. It swells up the left side of my jaw line and is a defintie knot that does not move. My insurance doesn't kick in for another month so I'm trying to hold off going to the doctor but it gives me an ear ache along with a jaw ache. Someone suggested it could be TMJ but everything I have read so far doesn't support the symptoms, can anyone shed some light on this for me?...Thank you in advance

I have the exact same thing. No pain, it sinks when i open my mouth. its right in front of my right ear. Im convinced i have lymphoma. However im to the point that ive been scared so long that ill just let it go. if i die i die. Ive seen what kemo does. Its worse than cancer. However i am a hypocondriac or however you spell that. so therefor neither one of us have it more than likely.

So elinunya made me chuckle..thanks...my son just told me last night about his little painful bump that is under the ear and at the jawline. He said it hurts...so we shall see..The school nurse said he should see a doc today about it...so now he's even more freakn worried. Lets just pray for the best...again thanks for everyone's comments and for yours...lol