Today I woke up with a swollen lump on my neck.

[Griselda1975]

Today I woke up with a swollen lump located on the left side of my neck, under my ear.  It's tender when I touch it.  Yesterday, I woke up to what I think is a pimple on my left jaw line.  I tried to pop it but nothing happened.   Tried popping it again today and nothing.  I can see about 3 openings and it is visibly swollen.  The lump on my neck is about an inch long.  What could this be?  I am not feeling sick but these are other symptoms I have had for a while.  Extreme fatigue, probably caused by my chronic anemia.  As of two years ago I can't tolerate spicy foods at all.  Even the slightest bit burns my mouth like crazy.  Toothpaste and mouthwash cause the same burning sensation.   I am a 42 year old female and up until 2 years ago I always enjoyed eating spicy food.  Not sure if this is related to the lump found today.   Any advice is appreciated.

[Ken_PA]

Hi, it's not likely at all to be lymphoma. Since it came up overnight and there is infection in the area, it's likely a lymph node "reacting' to the infection.

The tongue sensitivity might very well be caused by immune system chemicals, though I haven't heard of that specifically.

Maybe there's an underlying tooth problem causing everything. Good luck.