<human>: Hello i have been having a problem with a swollen lump on the side of my neck near my chin. sometimes it will be painful and there will be a sudden "burst" of the lump and and i can taste a bitter fluid coming up my throat. is that a swollen lymph gland?
<bot>: HI. The history of burst of the lump and giving bitter fluid in mouth may be due to the swelling and infection of the submandibular salivary gland. The causes cane : stone in the duct of the gland or a stricture in the duct or infection and inflammation of the gland. I would advise having a clinical examination by the Surgeon or the ENT Surgeon by putting a gloved finger and palpate for the stone and the gland. If there is an impacted stone in the ducts, this can be easily removed and a few stitches to invert the opening so that the complication is reduced. If there is a gland infection with the swelling and stones, this may have to be removed.