Author: Mathew Alex / Editor: Steve Corry-Bass / Reviewer: Ashwin Prasad Shanmugam / Codes: MaC1, MaP2, SLO1 / Published: 08/04/2023

A 70-year-old gentleman presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with pain in left lower jaw, worsening over the last 3 days. He self-presented to the ED as he now has difficulty in opening his mouth, a foul taste and swallowing his saliva.

Clinical examination revealed that he was drooling and had difficulty in articulating words. His Heart Rate was 120/min and BP: 110/90. He was breathing at 22/min and room air Saturations of 94%. Temperature in the ED was 38.4oC.

You notice an obvious lump around his left lower jaw and his mouth opening is limited to one finger breadth. He mentions that he has had radiotherapy for tongue cancer a month ago.

Fig.1