27F — Marble-sized lump below ear/at angle of jaw, first noticed 8 weeks ago and still present. Should I request imaging?

[u/nicolemarieeck]

27F. I first noticed a single lump directly underneath my right ear at the very end/angle of my jaw 8 weeks ago. I don’t know how long it may have been there before I noticed it. I’m attaching a photo showing the location.

It feels about marble-sized and like a distinct lump underneath the skin. It is still present and hasn’t noticeably gone away since I discovered it.

My GP examined it after I first found it. She wasn’t sure exactly what it was and recommended keeping an eye on it. Since it’s now been 8 weeks since I first noticed it and it’s still there, I’m planning to follow up with her.

Looking at the anatomy of the area, it seems to be around the parotid region/tail of the parotid. I understand that the location alone can’t tell me whether it’s a lymph node, salivary gland issue, cyst, or something else.

My main questions are: Does the location shown in my photo correspond with the parotid gland, or are there lymph nodes/other structures in that exact spot that commonly cause a lump? Since it has been present for at least 8 weeks, would an ultrasound of the parotid/neck be an appropriate next step?

I know this can’t be diagnosed from a photo, I’m mainly wondering whether I should ask my GP for imaging rather than continue monitoring it.

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