Finding a lump under your chin can be concerning, though these growths are often benign and result from various causes. Understanding the potential origins, from common infections to less frequent, more serious conditions, helps individuals recognize when a lump warrants professional medical evaluation.
Common Reasons for a Lump Under Your Chin
A frequent cause of lumps under the chin is swollen lymph nodes, which are small, bean-shaped glands that are part of the body’s immune system. These nodes filter lymph fluid and trap viruses, bacteria, and other harmful substances. They often swell in response to infections such as the common cold, flu, ear infections, sinus infections, strep throat, or a tooth abscess. When swollen, lymph nodes typically feel soft and movable, may be tender or painful to the touch, and usually decrease in size as the infection resolves, often within one to two weeks.
Cysts are another common reason for a lump in this area, presenting as sacs filled with fluid or semi-solid material. Epidermoid cysts, sometimes mistakenly called sebaceous cysts, form when surface skin cells become trapped beneath the skin. These cysts typically appear as small, round, flesh-colored, whitish, or yellowish bumps on the face, neck, or trunk, often with a tiny dark dot or punctum at their center. They are usually painless but can become inflamed, tender, or rupture, releasing a thick, cheesy, foul-smelling substance. True sebaceous cysts, which are rarer, are filled with an oily, yellowish material called sebum.
Dermoid cysts are congenital growths that occur during fetal development when skin cells and other tissues, such as hair follicles or sweat glands, become trapped under the skin. These cysts are typically present at or shortly after birth, though they may enlarge slowly over time and become noticeable later, often appearing as firm, painless, movable lumps. They can contain a greasy, yellow material, hair, or other tissues like bone or teeth.
Lipomas are benign fatty tumors that develop just beneath the skin. These lumps are characteristically soft, doughy, and movable when pressed, typically ranging from pea-sized to a few centimeters in diameter, though they can grow larger. They are generally painless unless they press on nearby nerves. Lipomas grow slowly and are not cancerous.
Issues with the salivary glands can also cause lumps under the chin. Salivary gland stones, or sialolithiasis, form when minerals build up and block the salivary ducts, most commonly in the submandibular glands. This blockage can lead to pain and swelling, particularly during or after meals. The pain may be dull or intense, and other symptoms can include a dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, or a strange taste.
Sialadenitis, an infection or inflammation of a salivary gland, can also manifest as a lump under the chin. This condition often affects the submandibular glands and can result from bacterial or viral infections, dehydration, or blockages like salivary stones. Symptoms include soreness, swelling, and tenderness around the jaw, face, or neck, sometimes accompanied by pain when eating, fever, chills, or redness.
Signs to Watch For
While many lumps under the chin are benign, certain signs indicate a need for prompt medical evaluation. A lump that appears suddenly or grows rapidly should be assessed by a healthcare professional. Lumps that feel hard, fixed, or immovable also warrant immediate attention. Any lump accompanied by worsening pain, tenderness, or redness should be checked.
Accompanying systemic symptoms are also significant indicators of concern, including unexplained fever, night sweats, or unintentional weight loss. Difficulty swallowing or breathing, changes in voice, persistent ear pain, or sores in the mouth that do not heal are additional symptoms that suggest a need for medical consultation. A healthcare provider should evaluate any lump that persists for more than two weeks without improvement, even if other concerning symptoms are absent.
Seeking Medical Advice and Diagnosis
If you discover a concerning lump under your chin, consulting a healthcare professional is the appropriate next step for an accurate diagnosis. A doctor will begin by taking a detailed medical history, asking about the lump’s duration, any associated symptoms, and your overall health. This initial assessment helps narrow down potential causes. A physical examination will follow, where the doctor will carefully feel the lump to assess its size, texture (soft, firm, or hard), mobility (movable or fixed), and any tenderness. They will also examine surrounding areas, including your mouth, throat, and other lymph node regions.
Based on findings, the doctor may recommend various diagnostic tests to further investigate the lump, such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI for more detailed views. If the lump appears suspicious, a biopsy may be necessary to determine its nature. This could involve a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) to extract cells, a core biopsy for a larger tissue sample, or an excisional biopsy to surgically remove part or all of the lump. Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause, and only a medical professional can determine the appropriate course of action based on the diagnosis.