Hello.
Yesterday I noticed that my submental lymph node (midline under the chin at the anterior portion of the neck about 1cm in from the mandible) is somewhat enlarged. I think it's about ~1cm and maybe a little larger, it's hard to gauge accurately through the skin. It's palpable with light pressure. It isn't soft nor does it feel like a rock beneath the skin. It is definitely firm. It's hard to tell if it's movable or not. I am very worried this could be lymphoma.
I do have a sore like a big pimple or boil on my upper left lip that has slowly been healing over the past 5 days or so. About 3 days ago it was quite inflamed but that has gone down considerably. My throat has also been slightly scratchy for a few days but no pain, coughing, or other symptoms. For the past 4 nights or so I woke in the morning with a very dry mouth, but this has abated. My throat is still a little scratchy, though.
I have not had other symptoms such as weight loss, night sweats, or itching.
How long should I wait to go to the doctor for this node? Could the (probably infected) sore on my UPPER lip cause this node to swell? How fast does lymphoma grow?
I have tried a warm compress to reduce the size of this node, however it seems to be the same size as it was last night. I have checked but found no other enlarged nodes.
I have a vacation coming up in 3 weeks and I do not want to have to worry about this while I'm trying to enjoy myself.