Differential Diagnosis for a Grape-Sized Movable Lump under the Preauricular Area
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Benign parotid gland tumor (e.g., pleomorphic adenoma): This is the most likely diagnosis due to the location (preauricular area) and description (movable lump) of the mass. The parotid gland is a common site for benign tumors, and pleomorphic adenoma is the most common type of salivary gland tumor.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Lipoma: A benign tumor composed of fat tissue, which can occur in the preauricular area and present as a movable lump.
- Sebaceous cyst: A benign cyst that can occur in the skin of the preauricular area and present as a movable lump.
- Lymphadenopathy: Enlarged lymph nodes in the preauricular area can present as movable lumps, although they are typically smaller than a grape.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Parotid gland malignancy (e.g., mucoepidermoid carcinoma): Although less common than benign tumors, malignancies of the parotid gland can present as a lump in the preauricular area and require prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Metastatic disease to the parotid gland or lymph nodes: In rare cases, cancer from other parts of the body can metastasize to the parotid gland or lymph nodes in the preauricular area.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Branchial cleft cyst: A congenital anomaly that can present as a lump in the preauricular area, although it is typically smaller and more fixed than a grape-sized movable lump.
- First branchial cleft anomaly: A rare congenital anomaly that can present as a lump or fistula in the preauricular area.
- Dermoid cyst: A rare type of cyst that can occur in the preauricular area and present as a movable lump.