Differential Diagnosis for Facial Swelling
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Dental Abscess: This is often the most common cause of facial swelling, particularly when the swelling is localized to one side of the face. A dental abscess can cause significant swelling due to the infection and pus accumulation.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Allergic Reaction: Allergic reactions, such as those to insect bites, certain foods, or medications, can cause facial swelling. This is often accompanied by other symptoms like itching, redness, and difficulty breathing in severe cases.
- Sinusitis: Inflammation or infection of the sinuses can lead to facial swelling, especially in the areas around the eyes and cheeks. This is usually accompanied by symptoms like nasal congestion, headache, and facial pain.
- Cellulitis: A bacterial skin infection that can cause redness, swelling, and warmth of the skin. Facial cellulitis can lead to significant swelling and is often accompanied by fever and malaise.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Angioedema: A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause rapid swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat. It can lead to airway obstruction if not promptly treated.
- Ludwig's Angina: A severe infection of the tissues in the neck, which can cause swelling of the face and neck. It's a medical emergency due to the risk of airway obstruction.
- Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis: A rare but potentially deadly condition where a blood clot forms in the cavernous sinus, leading to facial swelling, among other symptoms. It requires immediate medical attention.
Rare Diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: A condition where inflammatory cells form lumps known as granulomas in various parts of the body, including the face, leading to swelling.
- Wegener's Granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis): A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation of the blood vessels, leading to facial swelling among other symptoms.
- Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome: A rare neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, often unilateral, facial paralysis or weakness, facial edema (especially of the lips), and the development of folds and furrows in the tongue (fissured tongue).