Neck Knot Under Jawbone: Causes & What to Do When Salivary Glands Are Normal

A knot under the jawbone that gets larger when eating could be a few different things.

- Swollen lymph nodes: Lymph nodes are small glands that help fight infection. When they become swollen, they can feel like knots under the skin. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck can be caused by a variety of infections, including colds, flu, and sore throat. They can also be a sign of more serious conditions, such as cancer.

- Thyroid nodule: A nodule is a lump or swelling in the thyroid gland. Thyroid nodules are very common and most are non-cancerous. However, some thyroid nodules can be cancerous, so it's important to see a doctor if you have a nodule.

- Parathyroid adenoma: A parathyroid adenoma is a non-cancerous growth in the parathyroid gland. Parathyroid glands control calcium levels in the body. Parathyroid adenomas can cause high levels of calcium in the blood, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, including kidney stones, bone pain, and nausea.

- Neck lipoma: A neck lipoma is a non-cancerous growth of fat cells. Lipomas are usually soft, movable, and painless.

If you have a knot under your jawbone that gets larger when eating, it's important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis. The doctor may order a CT scan or other imaging tests to help determine the cause of the knot.