Is Your Jaw Lump Serious? Causes & Treatment of Parotid Swelling

sanjeev mohanty
Jun 13
3 min read

If you've noticed a lump near your jawline, especially just in front of your ear, you’re not alone. Many people experience parotid gland swelling without immediately knowing its cause. While some swellings are benign, others could signal more serious conditions requiring professional ENT evaluation. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about parotid swelling, from symptoms to treatment options, with insights from ENT specialists.

What is the Parotid Gland and Why Does It Swell?

The parotid glands are the largest of the salivary glands, located on either side of your face near the jaw and in front of the ears. Their main function is to produce saliva, which aids in digestion and oral hygiene.

Parotid swelling can occur due to various reasons—ranging from infections to tumors. The swelling may be:

Unilateral or bilateral (one-sided or both-sided)
Painful or painless
Sudden or gradual in onset

Common Causes of Parotid Swelling

Knowing the underlying cause is essential for accurate treatment. Here are the most common ones:

1. Infections

Viral infections like mumps
Bacterial infections, often resulting in a parotid abscess, especially in dehydrated or immunocompromised individuals

2. Obstructions

Salivary stones (sialolithiasis) block saliva flow, leading to swelling, especially while eating

3. Tumors

Benign tumors like pleomorphic adenomas
Malignant tumors, though rarer, require urgent attention

4. Inflammatory & Autoimmune Disorders

Sialadenitis (gland inflammation)
Sjogren’s syndrome, causing chronic swelling and dry mouth

5. Metabolic Conditions

Sialadenosis, seen in diabetes, alcoholism, or malnutrition

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Recognizing early signs helps in timely treatment:

Persistent swelling near the jaw or below the ear
Pain, especially while eating or chewing
Dry mouth
Fever, pus discharge (in bacterial infections)
Difficulty opening the mouth
Facial weakness or numbness (serious sign)

Treatment Options for Parotid Swelling

Treatment depends entirely on the cause:

Viral Infections: Rest, fluids, and pain management
Bacterial Infections: Antibiotics, warm compresses, sometimes drainage
Sialolithiasis (Stones): Hydration, massage, lemon juice, or surgical removal
Benign Tumors: Surgical excision (parotidectomy)
Malignant Tumors: Surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy
Autoimmune Causes: Immunomodulators and supportive care

Is Parotid Swelling a Sign of Cancer?

Not all parotid swellings are cancerous. In fact, 80% of parotid gland tumors are benign. However, it’s important to consult an ENT if you notice:

Rapidly growing mass
Hard, immobile lump
Facial nerve weakness

Early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes significantly.

When to See an ENT Specialist

You should consult an ENT if you experience:

Persistent swelling beyond 2 weeks
Associated symptoms like fever, pain, pus
Difficulty chewing or jaw stiffness
Facial weakness or dry mouth

Regional Trends: Why It Matters in Chennai, Bhubaneswar, and Siliguri

In cities like Chennai, Bhubaneswar, and Siliguri, ENT clinics have reported increasing cases of parotid swelling due to urban lifestyle stressors and late diagnosis. Access to imaging and FNAC procedures varies, making early consultation critical.

Conclusion

A lump near your jaw could be harmless—or a sign of something more serious. Don’t delay. If you’re in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Bhubaneswar, Siliguri, or Odisha, consult a certified ENT specialist for parotid swelling evaluation and care. Early detection, proper imaging, and timely treatment can make all the difference.

For expert care, consult Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty, Senior Consultant & Head of the ENT Department at MGM Healthcare, Chennai. He is a highly experienced ENT/Otorhinolaryngologist and Head & Neck Surgeon, and also the founder of Dr. Mohanty’s ENT Speciality Clinic, Manapakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Dr. Mohanty also extends his clinical expertise to patients in Bhubaneswar and Siliguri, making him a trusted name in ENT care across India.

FAQs:

1. What causes a lump near the jaw or ear?It’s often due to parotid gland swelling from infections, stones, or tumors. Most are harmless but need checking.

2. When should I see an ENT?If the swelling lasts over 2 weeks, is painful, growing, or causes fever or facial weakness—see an ENT.

3. Is it cancer?Most parotid lumps aren’t cancer, but hard or fast-growing ones should be checked early.