I Have a Lump Near My Ear or Cheek β Could It Be a Salivary Gland Tumor?
Finding a lump near your ear or in your cheek can be worrying. Here is what it could be.
The parotid gland β the largest salivary gland β sits in front of and below the ear. Lumps in this area are common, and most are benign.
- Possible causes include:
- Parotid gland tumor β about 80% of parotid tumors are benign (usually pleomorphic adenoma)
- Parotitis β infection of the parotid gland, causing painful swelling
- Salivary stone β a stone blocking the salivary duct, causing swelling especially with eating
- Enlarged lymph node β a node in front of the ear can swell from infection
- Sebaceous cyst β a harmless skin cyst
- Lipoma β a benign fatty lump
- Mumps β viral infection of the salivary glands (more common in children)
What to Look For
- Usually not serious:
- Tender, painful lump that appeared with a fever or infection
- Swelling that comes and goes, especially with meals
- Soft, movable lump
- Goes away within 1β2 weeks
- Worth having checked:
- Painless, slow-growing lump in front of the ear or in the cheek
- Lump that is firm, rubbery, or fixed in place
- Lump that has been present for months and is growing
- Facial weakness or drooping on that side
- Numbness in the cheek or ear area
- Pain that does not go away
When to See a Doctor
- See an ENT doctor if:
- You have a lump in front of your ear or in your cheek that lasts more than 3 weeks
- The lump is growing
- You have any facial weakness or drooping
- The lump is painless and firm
- You have pain in the area that does not go away