Discovering a lump or “ball” in your cheek can be concerning. A cheek lump can arise from various causes, ranging from minor, temporary issues to more serious underlying conditions. This article explores common explanations for a lump in the cheek, providing insights into their characteristics and associated symptoms.
Infections and Inflammatory Responses
A common reason for a lump in the cheek involves the body’s reaction to infection or inflammation. Lymph nodes, small glands that filter lymph fluid, can swell in response to various illnesses. These nodes, located under the jaw and on either side of the neck, become enlarged and tender when fighting off bacteria or viruses from conditions like the common cold, flu, strep throat, or ear infections.
Dental problems, such as an abscess or infection in a tooth or gum, often lead to swelling in the cheek area. A dental abscess, a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection, can result in severe, throbbing pain that may radiate to the jaw, neck, or ear. This infection can also cause facial or cheek swelling, sometimes making it difficult to breathe or swallow, and may be accompanied by fever or tender lymph nodes under the jaw.
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that causes the affected area to become red, swollen, warm, and painful. This infection can occur anywhere on the body, including the face, and may present with symptoms like fever, chills, and skin dimpling. In children, facial cellulitis is often linked to dental infections, such as untreated tooth abscesses.
Certain viral infections can also cause cheek swelling. Mumps, though less common due to widespread vaccination, is characterized by painful swelling of one or both parotid salivary glands, located between the ears and jaw, which can give the appearance of “chipmunk cheeks.” This swelling peaks within one to three days and then subsides over the following week.
Physical trauma or injury to the cheek can result in swelling or the formation of a hematoma, a collection of blood outside of blood vessels. A hematoma can appear as a painful, discolored, swollen, and warm lump. While many minor hematomas resolve on their own, larger ones can lead to complications like infection or prolonged swelling.
Salivary Gland Issues
Issues affecting the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands located in front of the ears and near the cheek, can also manifest as a cheek lump. Sialadenitis is inflammation or infection of a salivary gland, often caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus or by viruses such as mumps. Symptoms include swelling, tenderness, and redness of the affected gland, and may be accompanied by fever or chills.
Salivary stones are calcified structures that can form within a salivary gland or its ducts, blocking the flow of saliva. This blockage can cause saliva to back up into the gland, leading to pain and swelling in the cheek, especially during or after eating. While most stones occur in the submandibular glands under the jaw, they can also affect the parotid glands in the cheek.
Cysts can also develop in or around the salivary glands. These fluid-filled sacs can form due to injuries, infections, or blockages in the salivary ducts. For instance, a mucocele is a common type of cyst that forms when a salivary gland or duct is damaged, often from minor trauma like biting the cheek or lip, leading to a buildup of mucus.
Cysts and Benign Lumps
Beyond infections and salivary gland issues, other non-cancerous growths can appear as lumps in the cheek. Sebaceous cysts are common, slow-growing, benign sacs that form under the skin. These cysts are filled with keratin, a protein found in skin and nails, and often feel soft to the touch. They are painless unless they become infected or inflamed, which can cause redness, tenderness, and warmth.
Lipomas are soft, fatty, benign lumps that grow slowly under the skin. These growths are composed of mature fat cells, feel doughy or rubbery, and can be moved easily with slight finger pressure. While lipomas can occur anywhere on the body, they are painless unless they press on a nerve or grow to a size that causes discomfort.
Other benign growths, though less common, can also appear in the cheek area. These include various harmless tissue formations that develop slowly and are not associated with pain or other concerning symptoms.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
While many cheek lumps are benign and resolve on their own, certain signs and symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Seek professional medical advice if the lump is persistent and does not go away, or if it continues to grow larger.
Additional symptoms that should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider include:
- Fever, chills, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, as these can indicate a spreading infection or other serious conditions.
- Rapid swelling, increasing redness, or any discharge from the lump.
- If the lump feels hard, is fixed in place, has an irregular shape, or is growing quickly.
- Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or night sweats accompanying a cheek lump.
- If a lump appears without any obvious cause, such as a known infection or injury.