Finding a lump beneath your chin or along your jawline can understandably cause concern. These lumps are common occurrences, and in the vast majority of cases, they represent a benign, temporary issue. Understanding the location and characteristics of the swelling is the first step in determining its cause. This area contains numerous structures, including lymph nodes, salivary glands, and soft tissues, all of which can swell.
Lymph Nodes and Infection
The most frequent reason for a lump under the chin involves the lymph nodes, which are small, bean-shaped components of your immune system. These nodes function as filters, trapping viruses, bacteria, and waste products. When the body is fighting an infection, the lymph nodes in the draining area swell, a condition known as reactive lymphadenopathy.
Swelling in these nodes often indicates a nearby infection, such as a common cold, strep throat, ear infection, or a dental abscess. A reactive lymph node typically feels soft, is tender or painful to the touch, and moves easily under the skin. This type of swelling appears quickly and usually resolves within one to two weeks as the underlying illness clears.
Non-Infectious Benign Growths
Lumps not related to a recent infection often originate from the skin or underlying fatty tissue. A common non-infectious growth is a lipoma, a slow-growing collection of fatty tissue situated just beneath the skin. Lipomas are recognized by their soft, doughy, or rubbery texture and high mobility, meaning they slip easily when touched. They are generally painless unless they grow large enough to press on a nerve.
Another frequent type of lump is a cyst, such as a sebaceous or epidermoid cyst, which is a closed sac filled with fluid, air, or skin debris. Cysts tend to feel firm and round, growing slowly over time. They are not typically painful unless they become infected or inflamed. These benign growths appear independently of an acute illness and persist long after any possible infection has passed.
Glandular and Developmental Issues
Some lumps arise from the salivary glands, particularly the submandibular gland, which can swell due to obstruction or infection. Swelling caused by a salivary stone (sialolithiasis) often presents with pain that intensifies during mealtimes. This occurs because saliva production is stimulated but then becomes blocked. This intermittent swelling and pain is a distinct characteristic of a blocked salivary duct.
Lumps can also result from congenital abnormalities, which are present from birth. A thyroglossal duct cyst forms from remnants of the embryonic path the thyroid gland took during development. This type of cyst is usually a painless, smooth mass in the center of the neck. It classically moves upward when the tongue is stuck out or during swallowing.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While the majority of lumps under the chin are harmless, certain characteristics warrant prompt medical evaluation. You should consult a healthcare professional if the lump persists for longer than two to three weeks without shrinking. Any lump that feels hard, fixed, or immobile, rather than soft and easily movable, requires attention.
Other concerning signs include a lump that is rapidly increasing in size or the presence of systemic symptoms. These associated symptoms include unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or a persistent fever. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), voice changes, or persistent pain in the ear or throat are additional indicators. A medical professional will likely conduct a physical examination, potentially followed by imaging or a biopsy, to determine the exact nature of the lump.