Question: I have had a lump on one side of my throat for about 2 years now. It started out about the size of a pea, then graduated to size of a dime over the first year. After the second year it has grown to the size of a quarter. It is tender to the touch. It is located in the v of the jaw and neck line. I now have nerve sensations on my cheeks, eyebrows, lips, and jaws. It feels like these places are numb, tingling, and crawling. My jaw bone hurts now. My neck is also beginning to become stiff feeling. The back of my neck hurts all the way down to my shoulders. Have been having a couple degree fever along for a while and night sweats. Haven't lost much weight, but have lost several inches all way down my body. Went down a size in clothes this past year. My question to you is what is the percentage that this lump is an infection salivary gland? It seems to me that after two years it would have cleared up by now unless it is salivary stone? Do you think it is a much worse scenario such as throat cancer? I am pretty worried about it. Thank you for your time.

I am pleased that you suggested these test from a ENT. I have an appointment next week but didn't know what test to request if the doctor didn't do them on his own. I did not list all of my symptoms on my initial question. I also have a persistent cough, difficulty swallowing food, get choked on liquids sometimes too, have to clear my throat all the time, and it feels like there has been a lump way deep in my throat since 2004. I told my family doctor about the lump in 2004, but I think he just associated it with my thyroid. With these other symptoms, do I need any other type of test performed?