What could be the reason for a lump under the chin?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 30-year-old female, 5' 7", 130 lbs. Generally healthy. I have a small but firm/rubbery lump under my chin near the front of my neck (sort of the curve where neck and chin meet). It is the size of a large pea. I have been ill with a cold this week and also have generally swollen lymph nodes on the sides of my neck as well, which is typical for me. I have not, however, noticed similar swelling to this pea-sized bump in the past, as the location and consistency of it seem a little different. I have, however, felt the same spot in the past for a while. It just feels bigger/more firm this time.

Since I have always noticed the spot, I am assuming it is a lymph node, but my question is, is it normal for a lymph node to gain this type of consistency? Typically mine swell in a more generalized/puffy way without being able to feel a defined lump. I also have chronic chin acne and have been dealing with chronic mild wisdom tooth infections. I noticed this spot at a time when my tooth infections, acne, and cold symptoms were flaring up.

So, I have been inclined to think it is due to infection. But, because it is a relatively different finding for me, I wanted to check and see if it should warrant further investigation. I have firm "shotty" lymph nodes in my groin that have always been there. This feels a bit more similar to those.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Yes, it is likely related to a current infection, either a cold or a tooth infection, as it is a draining lymph node for both sites. So, the site may appear unusual to you, but it is possible to enlarge the site. Consistency may vary with infection, but it should not be stony hard, as this is a characteristic of malignancies that can be easily identified.

Additionally, considering your age and other supporting factors, such as a cold, it is likely a reactive node secondary to infection. Additionally, groin lymph nodes are palpable in the majority of individuals, typically due to a past infection in the lower limbs or genital area. Therefore, it is usually not a cause for concern. The size of a lymph node is generally less than 2 cm in the groin and less than 1 cm in the neck region.

Additionally, the course of the lymph nodes is also essential, aside from size. So, observe it for a week. If there is no rapid increase in size and it decreases in size, then it requires no further investigation. If there is rapid enlargement and a change in consistency to a hard one, then get a simple FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology), which I do not expect from you.

Overall, it appears to be a reactive lymph node and should be monitored for a week. Just check the oral cavity once for any obvious unusual lesion.

For more information, consult an internal medicine physician online.