I have a lump behind my jaw

I have a painless lump behind my jaw. Exactly where my jaw earlobe and neck meet.  Should I be concerned or is it one of those things that you were discussing with others on this site, that it is only a cyst. or an inflammed thyroid.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

The thyroid's in the middle.  This could be a cyst or a swollen gland left over from an upper respiratory infection.  If it's not growing, I'd show it to a doctor next time you go.  If it grows or starts to hurt, go sooner.  But don't squeeze it repeatedly to see if it's OK, since that will make it grow and hurt!

Best.

Dr. Rockoff