Dear Doctor,
I am 18 years of age and I recently discovered a swelling bellow my left ear that protrudes like a lump or a gland enlarged. I just got my ear pierced on that same side about a month ago and I don’t think that it has anything to do with the piercing. I have done some research on what it might be, I believe that it might be a parotid gland that swelled up. The thing is that its only on the left side and the right gland never swelled up. I don’t feel sick, just paranoid which I am thinking there is something wrong with me. I played sports my whole life and have always been very healthy. I have been taking calcium tablets along with centrum tablets to help recover from a recent broken leg 2 months ago…. the down side is that i also chew tobacco for only 3 years. I am just worried on what this lump might be from.?
 
What are your suggestions on what this lump might be, along with your probability of it being cancer?

Dr. Joshua’s Answer

If the swelling is just below and a bit in front of your ear, then it may be the parotid gland. There are various possible reasons for enlargement of the parotid gland, including but not limited to infection (mumps), blockage of salivary ducts, salivary duct stones, inflammation, tumors, and so on.

Located in this region is also the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Disorders of this joint could also cause swelling and tenderness in the area.

Below the ear and behind the ear are the lymph nodes, which could swell when there is an infection in the region, such as infection after ear piercing, or skin infections, severe acne, herpes, and also because of tumors.

Tobacco chewing may irritate the mucous membranes in your mouth and predispose them to infection and inflammation, and your having started chewing tobacco recently may or may not have a connection to this lump.

You are only 18 years of age — it’s rare for someone so young to have cancer so it’s more likely to be something else. Nevertheless, please see your doctor about this - there is no way to diagnose it over the internet. Good luck, and keep me posted!

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