Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] I have a small painful bump directly over the TMJ and in front of my right ear. I have had severe TMJ pain and symptoms for many years but the small painful bump just popped up this morning. Is this related to TMJ? When I touch it, it does feel like muscular pain (very painful when touched). Just a little worried it could be something more serious.
[|AI|]  Hello, I can understand your concern. Painful bump in front of ear could be due to infection of the ear or related to TMJ. It would have been more helpful if you had mentioned exactly what problem you have been suffering from related to TMJ for several years. However, if you are having pain in opening and closing jaws, side to side movements of lower jaw, while chewing, if the joint makes clicking/popping sounds while opening, then it is more likely that the lump is related to TMJ. You are already suffering from TMJ problems, so it is more likely the cause. In that case, you should visit an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for physical examination of the joint and further investigations to pinpoint the cause and treat it. If you are having pain in ear, suffering from cold, no TMJ related symptoms etc., then the infection is more likely to be located in the ear. In that case, visiting an ENT specialist would be helpful. Do not worry regarding anything serious as the bump is in the lymph node area and painful, so it is related to infection and can be cured with course of antibiotics. As you are in pain, you can take Ibuprofen 400 mg or Motorola 10 mg up to thrice a day to have relief. I would caution you against doing heat application over the area, as the infection may worsen. I hope this information helps you. Thank you for choosing Chat Doctor. I wish you feel better soon. Best,