Question: Yesterday, I noticed a growth that is about half the size of a pea in the upper left part of my neck. It is hard and I don't think it moves but I'm not certain. It feels like it's attached to a thick vertical structure or muscle. I don't think it moves independently of that structure. It didn't hurt until yesterday but I've been obsessively touching it and trying to see if it moves. So now it's a little sore. I don't have any other symptoms. My energy, appetite, sleep, and overall health seem very good. I do worry a lot though. I haven't been sick lately. I was sneezing a lot but I'm pretty sure it was just allergies. I've always had bad allergies. What are the odds that this is cancer?
I can't really tell if it moves or not. If it doesn't move, does that mean it's likely to be cancer?

I saw a physician assistant. She described the growth as hard and unmovable but smaller than a pea. She didn't think it was something to worry about. I think my neck in general is a little sore and I feel tired now though. I'm not sure if it's just stress or I'm getting a cold or something else. I believe from what I read that if the enlarged lymph node is just a reaction to a cold or infection, it's called a reactive lymph node and is less serious. I'm hoping that's what I have. My question is: Could a reactive lymph node be hard and unmovable or are they always soft and easy to move?