Soft tissue swelling

[Sharon]

So here's another "Sjogren's Mystery" I can't seem to solve.
Maybe someone here (or "out there") can help me?

Since my symptoms became apparent I have noticed what appears to be
swelling of some soft tissue on my face, especially on one specific side.
The swelling is chronic but appears to worsen throughout the day in some of the areas.
These areas include:
beneath eyebrows
upper cheeks
one nostril
one side of chin
a small area above the jaw

At least some of these swellings are exacerbated by the worsening of dryness.

Any ideas as to how to diagnose this phenomena or treat it?

I cannot find a doctor who will even attempt this feat. 

Thanks!

[warmwaters]

Short version: Wow, I don't know.

But! a theory - I often have inflammation and swelling under my right jaw and in my right parotid. Perhaps you are having some swelling on one side that is somehow related inflammation of the parotid or lymph nodes.  I'd try an ENT to see if there's anything to do with that.

[Sharon]

Thank you warmwaters,
they ruled out parotid inflammation with the MRI,
but facial lymph node inflammation might really be a possibility.
I could ask my ENT but I don't think he'd know about this.
I had some of the swellings checked with ultrasound and they found nothing.
I think the only way to definitely diagnose this is through skin biopsy which is not feasible
since the skin is on the face.
I still can't figure out why dryness worsens the swellins though!

[Sooki]

Do cold compresses help?  My eyelids swell with triggers -stress (even very slight), heat, spicy foods, dry air.  But cold compresses feel good, reduce swelling, and make my eyes watery (temporarily).  Yours sounds different, but it might be worth a try, since drs always suggest warm compresses in my experience.

[Sharon]

Thanks Sooki, many of those things seem to trigger my eyelid swelling as well, including all allergens,
and the area beneath my eyebrow swells more with dryness.
I've tried both cold and warm compresses, but my eyes don't like either and just swell more with them.