Hello,
This swelling is probably an enlarged
Lymph node LN (probably a submandibular LN). This group of
lymph nodes drains the teeth, the gum and the lips.
If infection or inflammation occurs in the area drained by them, they grow in size and become painful. When infection or inflammation subsides they regress in size but never disappear.
So, these nodes remain palpable, painless, rubbery in consistency and usually less than 1 cm in diameter. They may be painful when you frequently press on them causing a sort of inflammation.
A thorough clinical examination and history taking are essential for evaluation and better characterization of this swelling. Since it has been of the same size for years, it is probably of a benign cause and your doctor may just keep it under observation with no further investigations.
However, nodes continue to grow as well as those appear in other parts of the body are of concern and should be properly investigated to exclude serious causes.
Please follow up with your doctor and keep us updated.
Best regards.
This answer does not substitute for direct medical consultation.
Dr. Safaa Mahmoud.
MB BCh, MSc Internal Medicine. MD Medical Oncology.
PhD Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Science.
