lymph nodes under jaw

like everyone else-im looking for reassurance. I have swelling of lymph node under my jaw, but other than a VERY mild sore throat, im not sick. I remember noticing the swollen lymph node a year ago, and somehow i got over it, (I felt my dads jaw, and he had the same thing under his jaw) but im getting anxious about it again. Every once in a while, iget some discomfort in the node, if i tilt my chin to my chest, or turn my head to look behind me. This is a mild pain/discomfort, but not painful. I do have a similar lymph node under my left jaw as well, but it seems slightly smaller. they move easily and seem almost "slippery" -maybe the size of a lima bean or larger-its hard to tell really. does anyone else get this? I clench my jaw alot, and I have TMJ, but I dont know if that would cause the "submandibular" lymph node to swell. Please let me know if youve ever had this, or worried about lymph nodes like this. im scared its lymphoma HIV, or some other metastatic cancer.

Hi cat lover

I had the same symptoms a couple months ago. Mine was on the left side under the jaw. When I noticed it for the first time, I didn't think it was a big deal so I left it alone. (Also, I was going through a depression and couldn't get up to go to the doctor) The swelling got bigger as the days went by.. to the point that I started feeling pain and discomfort whenever I moved my neck or when I yawn or eat. At the same time, I felt very weak, tired, cold, nauseous and felt pains all over my body. So I thought I had something really bad. So I went to the doctor but thankfully it was only an infection in my throat and ears. Two weeks of antibiotics and I was fine afterwards. The doctor said that I was under a lot of stress that my immune system became weak and that's why I got infected.
So if your case sounds like mine, it should be just an infection.
Hope you feel better soon =)

puppylove

My thought was that it could be the TMJ as well. I did see one article from a doctor online, who said there was a correlation between enlarged lymph, and TMJ. THank you all for you responses. I need to let go of it and move on. Things can become HUGE when we continue to focus/obsess about them. I always go to the "what if..." THanks again!

Yes - good point! If the lymph node is squishy and movable, nothing to worry about :)

THey arent squishy, they are firm, like rubbery, i guess, but moveable, smooth feeling (not lumpy) I am not too worried, I felt my coworkers, under her jaw. (people at work think im crazy) and hers felt the same-shes healthy, just got bloodwork back from her physical. so most people just dont touch them-you have to get the head at just the right tilt, and palpate in such a way to actually feel what i feel. The nurse practitioner couldnt feel what i feel under my jaw. Im certain of what i feel, but i think we are exceptionally thorough, us hypochondriacs.thanks guys

IM not sure if mine are swollen, or if that i just became aware of them, and beacused i touched them they got sore,and a bit swollen. like i said, when i felt my coworks nodes-hers were pretty identical to mine in size/shape, etc. so mine are probably normal-

Dear Pam,

The last time this member posted was in October of 2006.  Did your swelling go away on its own or were you medicated with anything in the ER?

I would think it may be wise to follow up with your primary care to make sure that all is well.

Take Care
Kitt

Good Morning,

I am so happy to hear you are going to follow up with your physician.  We will all be waiting to hear what he has to say.  Also remember if you feel your throat or airway is being compromised in anyway, get to the ER.  It is natural to worry when we have some physical sx but try  to stay in the moment and don't let it take over your life.

Remember you have anxiety, it does not have you.

Gentle Hugs

Kitt

C.T. I resoponded to your other post, good job on starting a fresh one, as this is so old. In fact I'm going to go ahead and lock it since there is now a new one.
S.C.

princess ginger,

I started a new thread for you.  Look for your name in the title of the new threads.  Thank you so much.

This thread is locked.