Preauricular lymph nodes, which are located in front of your ears, can sometimes become swollen and painful. Common causes include an ear or tooth infection. Treatment can depend on the underlying cause.

You have hundreds of small, oval- or bean-shaped lymph nodes (also known as lymph glands) throughout your body.

Preauricular lymph nodes are in front of your ears and drain lymph fluid from your eyes, cheeks, and scalp near your temples.

Typically, your lymph nodes are small and firm. When they’re healthy, you shouldn’t even notice them. A buildup of fluid can cause them to swell. Swollen lymph nodes may feel tender to the touch or even painful.

Learn more about the causes of swollen preauricular lymph nodes and when you should speak with a healthcare professional.

Whenever you have an infection, injury, or cancer, your lymph nodes spring into action to fight it off. In the process, they can become enlarged.

If you have swollen lymph nodes, it typically indicates that something is wrong. Usually, the problem is located in close proximity to your affected lymph nodes.

Causes of swollen or painful lymph nodes include:

Ear infection

The outer part of your ear can become infected (called “swimmers ear”) when fluid builds up outside your eardrum. Allergies, sinus infections, and common colds can cause ear infections from your eardrum inward toward your throat.

Tooth infection

A tooth infection or a dental abscess can typically cause severe pain that travels to the jaw and up to the ear. This can cause your preauricular lymph nodes to swell.

You may also experience:

  • a fever
  • sensitivity to hot or cold food
  • the skin over your lymph nodes becoming inflamed and warm to the touch

Parinaud’s oculoglandular syndrome

Parinaud’s oculoglandular syndrome is an eye condition associated with an infection of your conjunctiva (the thin membrane that protects the eye), eyelid, or a connected skin surface.

It can be caused by bacteria from a cat licking or biting you near your eye or from another infected site. You can also get it when a cat licks an open wound.

One of the most common symptoms are swollen preauricular lymph nodes.

Other signs and symptoms may include:

  • mucus discharge from your eyes
  • puffiness around your eyes
  • swelling of your eyelids
  • corneal ulcer
  • low grade fever and pain

Parinaud’s oculoglandular syndrome may also result from other bacterial and fungal infections, such as sporotrichosis and blastomycosis (a lung infection).

Skin or scalp infection

Infections of your skin and the front regions of your scalp can spread to the preauricular lymph nodes. Infection of the lymph nodes (lymphadenitis), can also be accompanied by:

  • a fever
  • an abscess.
  • the skin over your lymph nodes becoming inflamed and warm to the touch

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in your lymphatic system, which includes your:

There are many different types, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

It can cause swelling of the lymph nodes as well as:

  • fatigue
  • fever and night sweats
  • shortness of breath
  • weight loss

Any type of cancer can spread into your lymph system and cause swollen or painful lymph nodes. That’s why when you receive a diagnosis of cancer, your nearby lymph nodes are usually examined.

While swollen lymph nodes can indicate cancer, this is typically rare. A biopsy of the affected lymph node can help diagnose cancer.

Swollen or tender lymph nodes are a symptom, not a disease. Your treatment will depend on the cause of your swelling. Generally speaking, lymph nodes tend to return to their regular size once the underlying condition is treated.

Common treatment options for swollen lymph nodes include:

  • ear and eye infections can generally be treated with antibiotics
  • an abscessed tooth, you may need a root canal to clear the infection
  • skin and scalp infections typically require topical medications like antifungal creams or medicated shampoos

The treatment for cancer can be complex. It may involve some combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and biological and targeted drugs.

Treatment for lymphoma and leukemia depend on the specific type and your stage of cancer. Other considerations include your age, overall health, and personal preferences. In some cases, a stem cell transplant (also called a bone marrow transplant) is an option for treating lymphoma and leukemia.

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about preauricular lymph nodes.

What do swollen preauricular lymph nodes feel like?

Swollen preauricular lymph nodes may feel tender, rubbery, or firm to the touch. They may be painful depending on the underlying cause.

What is the most common cause of swollen preauricular lymph nodes?

Infections are the most common cause of swollen preauricular lymph nodes. This includes bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.

When should I see a doctor for swollen lymph nodes?

You should speak with a doctor if:

  • You also have a persistent fever or unexplained weight loss.
  • There’s no apparent reason for your swelling.
  • The swelling continues for more than two weeks.
  • Your lymph nodes feel hard or rubbery.
  • Your lymph nodes don’t move when you push on them.
  • The skin over your lymph nodes is inflamed.
  • You have a personal history of cancer.
  • You have a family history of lymphoma or leukemia.

Preauricular lymph nodes can sometimes become swollen and painful. Common causes include an ear or tooth infection.

Most of the time, swollen lymph nodes aren’t a symptom of a serious health problem. They should return to their regular state when the underlying condition clears up.