The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and organs that is part of the body’s immune and circulatory systems. It maintains the body’s fluid balance by collecting excess fluid from tissues and returning it to the bloodstream. The system also defends the body by filtering out microorganisms and other foreign particles.
Location and Function of Facial Lymph Nodes
The face and neck contain numerous lymph nodes, which are small, bean-shaped structures that filter a fluid called lymph. The preauricular lymph nodes are found just in front of the ears and filter fluid that drains from the face, scalp near the temples, and eyelids.
Another primary group is the submandibular nodes, located on each side below the jawbone. These structures collect fluid from the nose, cheeks, upper lip, and gums. They also receive drainage from the submental nodes, which are situated under the chin and handle lymph from the chin, lower lip, the floor of the mouth, and the tip of the tongue.
Together, these facial lymph nodes act as filtration stations. As lymph fluid passes through them, immune cells identify and trap harmful substances like bacteria and viruses. This process is part of the body’s immune surveillance, preventing infections from spreading. Filtered lymph is carried away from these nodes toward larger clusters of deep cervical lymph nodes in the neck.
Causes of Swollen Facial Lymph Nodes
When a lymph node swells, a condition known as lymphadenopathy, it is a direct response to an infection in the area it drains. The swelling is a sign that the node is actively working, with an increased production of immune cells to fight off invading pathogens.
A frequent trigger for swollen submandibular or submental nodes is a dental issue, such as an abscessed tooth. Bacteria from the infected tooth root can travel to the nearest nodes, causing them to become enlarged and tender. Similarly, skin infections on the face, like cellulitis or severe acne, can lead to swelling in the preauricular or submandibular nodes.
Other common causes include infections like an ear infection, which may cause the preauricular nodes to swell, while sinusitis or tonsillitis affects the submandibular and other cervical nodes. Systemic viral illnesses, such as the common cold, influenza, or mononucleosis, can also lead to generalized lymph node swelling in the face and neck. While most swelling is due to these benign causes, persistent swelling can indicate other medical conditions.
Identifying Concerning Symptoms
A lymph node responding to a common infection is usually soft and movable under the skin. It is also often tender or painful to the touch, a result of the inflammatory process inside the node as immune cells proliferate. This type of swelling resolves as the underlying illness clears.
Certain signs, however, warrant a medical evaluation. A healthcare professional should examine a lymph node that:
- Feels hard, rubbery, or is painless to the touch
- Seems fixed in place and cannot be moved under the skin
- Does not shrink after several weeks
- Continues to grow larger
The presence of other systemic symptoms is another factor. Swollen lymph nodes accompanied by persistent fever, unexplained weight loss, or drenching night sweats should prompt a visit to a doctor, as these are not typical of a simple infection.
Distinguishing Lymph Nodes from Other Facial Lumps
Not every lump or bump that appears on the face is a swollen lymph node. Other common skin and tissue growths can occur in the same areas, and it is helpful to be aware of these possibilities before seeking a professional opinion.
One common type of facial lump is a sebaceous cyst, which forms when an oil gland becomes blocked. These cysts are sacs filled with a substance called keratin and often feel like a firm, dome-shaped bump. Another possibility is a lipoma, a benign growth of fat cells that is typically soft, doughy, and easily movable.
Issues with the salivary glands, such as an infection or a stone blocking a duct, can also cause swelling in the cheek or under the jaw. Given the variety of potential causes for a facial lump, any new, persistent, or unusual growth should be evaluated by a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.