Differential Diagnosis for Lingering Cheek Bone Pain
After palpation, the pain lingers and feels like it is in the cheek bone. Here are the possible diagnoses, categorized for clarity:
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Sinusitis: This condition is characterized by inflammation of the sinuses, which can cause pain in the cheek bones, especially after palpation. The pain can linger due to the pressure and inflammation in the sinuses.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Dental issues (e.g., abscess, impacted tooth): Problems with the teeth or gums can radiate pain to the cheek area, which might feel like it's in the cheek bone.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder: The TMJ is located near the cheek bone, and disorders of this joint can cause pain in the area, especially with palpation.
- Facial trauma: A recent injury to the face could cause lingering pain in the cheek bone area.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Trigeminal neuralgia: Although less common, this condition involves sudden, severe facial pain, typically on one side, and can be triggered by touch or palpation.
- Osteomyelitis of the facial bones: A bone infection in the face, which is rare but serious and requires prompt treatment.
- Cancer (e.g., sinus, oral): Though rare, cancers in the sinus or oral cavity can cause persistent pain and should not be overlooked.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Eagle syndrome: A condition where the styloid process is elongated, causing pain in the face and throat.
- Sphenoid sinusitis: Inflammation of the sphenoid sinus, which is one of the paranasal sinuses located in the skull, can cause facial pain, including in the cheek area.
- Fibromyalgia: A chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, which can sometimes be localized to the face and cheek area.