• One lymph node under jaw is always swollen?

I consider myself a pretty healthy individual. One of the lymph nodes under my jaw is always a little bit swollen (right side). It’s been this way for many months, maybe a year? I can sometimes feel it when I move my head a certain way, without touching it. It’s not necessarily painful when I press on it, maybe just slightly more sensitive than the other side. The two lymph nodes are definitely different sizes, the right side feels maybe double the size of the left, but them being kind of smaller, it doesn’t feel super drastic. I don’t notice any other symptoms. Does this mean anything? Is it cause for concern?

3 Answers

  • Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)
  • Conway, SC

Lymph nodes tend to swell when you have an infection, such as a dental infection or upper respiratory infection. Sometimes they stay swollen and don't shrink back down. It's still a good idea to be checked out by a doctor to be sure there is nothing of concern. It may be a good idea to have an ultrasound completed as well as some labs drawn to make sure your blood cell counts, etc are normal.

  • Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)
  • Owensboro, KY

Swelling beneath the jaw would make me think of a salivary gland problem. Since it has been present for a prolonged period of time I would want it evaluated.

  • Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)
  • Larkspur, California

Could be lymph node, other type of mass, or submandibular gland enlargement. Advise seeing an ENT for evaluation

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