Submandibular gland infection/drainage! (please help)

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello to all my nurse friends,

I do realize I am out of place here for asking such a question, but it's the closest way I can get realistic answers.

A few months ago I started noticing a growth on my cheek. I didn't make much of it until it really started hurting a few days ago and progressively got worse... I soon realized it was my submandibular gland and it is now about the size of a quarter, but it has an oval shape in a way.

I went to the ER today and the doctor didn't give me an MRI or CT or even ultrasound, not even on my request. How can you give me an oral exam and confirm that I have a cyst in my gland? He prescribed me penicillin and ibuprofen.... very generic medication for my problem... I've noticed other changes with me, such as; severe headache (mostly on right side on my head, where lump is)... i've been having appetite issues, jaw pain, teeth hurt, and i appear to have some cold sore or wound on my bottom right lip.

Also.... something very odd... the inside of my right nostril was covered with white ...skin? I'm not sure what it was, it didn't seem like puss. But it was on my actual nose skin (inside). I got home not too long ago and examined my nostril and it had become significantly worse. The inside of my nose is now pretty infected and its peeling off crusty dark yellow skin. I literally have to PEEL it off. My mom got upset that I did that, and she made me clean inside with a Qtip. Once again, EVERY issue i have right now is all intertwined with the right side of my face. I even feel pressure on the right side of my head; behind/to the side of my ear.

Basically, I ask very kindly that you comment and insight or information you may have regarding my condition. My doctors aren't really helping me out. I have an appointment with an Oral doc tomorrow, so I hope he's not indifferent towards my problem too....

ALSO, my dentist confirmed with xrays that the lump was not visible in the imaging....

Thanks again, and I wish the best health upon everyone to be able to provide help and health to people like me. :)

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One of my concerns that I forgot to mention was; doctor and PA said if penicillin doesn't help I should contact the doctor they referred me to, to DRAIN the gland. I've been researching and trying to find surgeries or videos of such an operation but cannot find it anywhere. Can you even drain that gland non-surgically? (That's what I was informed at *********.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

Good early morning to you!

I'm going to lead off with the explanation that it's against the TOS to provide medical advice on this forum. So I won't. What I will say is that it's possible to diagnose without having to resort to imaging such as US or CT.

To address the second issue you have, all I'll say is that there are ways to remove stuff from the body that do not involve cutting into the skin (surgery).

I'm sure that I and quite a few people here on this forum could probably very easily give you an educated guess as to what's going on, that delves right into the practice of medicine and that's a road that most of us here on this forum don't follow... and it again goes back to giving medical advice, which is against the TOS.

Got it?

I hope you find relief soon!

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I understand. Well if its not too much to ask, would you happen to know any websites or forums that I can probably get a better idea of whats going on?

Thank you.

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

I am sorry we are unable to give medical advice it is against TOS-please get a second opinion and good luck with Dr today

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