lump in throat

Hello:  I was feeling my throat region and I discovered a lump just below my chin area, it is not painfull at all and it not causing discomfort, but I am worried that it may be life threatening.  Is this something to worry about or should I go to the hospital and get an MRI? What are the possibilities that this lump may be, what should I know?Thanks.

[National Jewish]

Your doctor will need to examine you to know for sure what this lump may be.  Some normal structures will feel like lumps.  You might be feeling an enlarged lymph node.  In this area most enlarged lymph nodes in young people are not a cause for worry.  Your doctor will make a judgment on how to proceed based on the size of the lump, its consistency, whether it is fixed or movable, and whether or not it is associated with an infection possibly in your mouth or throat.  Then your doctor will be able to let you know if further testing or treatment is needed.