What is the diagnosis of a grape-sized movable lump in the pre-auricular (before the ear) Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) area?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 28, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Grape Sized Movable Lump Pre-Auricular TMJ Area

  • Single Most Likely Diagnosis
    • Benign Parotid Gland Tumor (e.g., Pleomorphic Adenoma): This is the most likely diagnosis due to the location (pre-auricular area) and description (grape-sized movable lump) which is consistent with a benign tumor of the parotid gland, such as a pleomorphic adenoma.
  • Other Likely Diagnoses
    • Lipoma: A benign tumor composed of fat tissue, which can occur in the pre-auricular area and present as a movable lump.
    • Cystic Lymph Node: An enlarged lymph node in the pre-auricular area can present as a movable lump, although it is less common.
    • Branchial Cleft Cyst: A congenital anomaly that can present as a lump in the pre-auricular area, although it is more commonly seen in the neck.
  • Do Not Miss Diagnoses
    • Parotid Gland Malignancy: Although less common, a malignant tumor of the parotid gland (e.g., mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma) can present similarly to a benign tumor and would have significant implications for treatment and prognosis.
    • Metastatic Disease: A metastatic lesion to the parotid gland or a lymph node in the pre-auricular area, although rare, would be critical to diagnose due to its implications for overall health and treatment.
  • Rare Diagnoses
    • Dermoid Cyst: A congenital anomaly that can present as a lump in the pre-auricular area, although it is rare.
    • Teratoma: A rare type of tumor that can occur in the pre-auricular area, composed of multiple tissue types.
    • Neurofibroma: A benign tumor of the nerve tissue, which can occur in the pre-auricular area, although it is rare.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.