Differential Diagnosis for Painful Swelling Underneath Jawline
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Dental Abscess or Periapical Cyst: This is the most likely diagnosis given the location and symptoms. A dental abscess or periapical cyst can cause painful swelling underneath the jawline due to infection of the tooth or surrounding tissues.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Lymphadenitis: Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck can cause painful swelling, especially if there's an underlying infection.
- Sialadenitis: Infection or inflammation of the salivary glands (submandibular gland in this case) can cause swelling and pain underneath the jawline.
- Cellulitis: A bacterial skin infection can spread to the tissues underneath the jawline, causing swelling and pain.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Ludwig's Angina: A severe infection of the tissues in the neck, which can cause swelling, pain, and potentially life-threatening airway obstruction if not treated promptly.
- Deep Neck Abscess: An abscess in the deep tissues of the neck can cause severe swelling, pain, and potentially life-threatening complications if not treated promptly.
- Cancer (e.g., Squamous Cell Carcinoma): Although less likely, cancer can cause painful swelling underneath the jawline, and it's essential to rule out this possibility, especially in older adults or those with a history of smoking.
Rare Diagnoses
- Actinomycosis: A rare bacterial infection that can cause swelling, pain, and abscesses in the jaw and neck.
- Tuberculous Lymphadenitis: A rare condition where the lymph nodes in the neck become infected with tuberculosis, causing swelling and pain.
- Branchial Cleft Cyst: A rare congenital condition where a cyst forms in the neck, which can become infected and cause swelling and pain.