Lymph Node Confusion

[Kiki528]

Hi!
A little over 2 months ago I noticed that I had a bump directly below my left earlobe. I assume its a lymph node. However, It has remained swollen and is often bigger in the morning when I wake up. I also have been getting headaches often, and only on one side of my head, the same side and the swollen lymph node.
I went to the doctor and she suggested I get and ultrasound of it.
What is she looking for in the ultrasound? Are my headaches related to the lymph node? Are there any other symptoms I should be looking for? What do you think the cause could be?
Thanks

[Ken_PA]

"Is there any easy things that I might have noticed that could have given some answers?"
No, only if the tech made comments.

"The lump fluctuates from about the size of a pea up to about the size of a nickel."
That's likely too much change to be lymphoma, especially going downward in size like that.

[Kiki528]

I got the ultrasound, but don't have result yet. I watched the ultrasound being done. Is there any easy things that I might have noticed that could have given some answers?

I've had earaches on and off for the last year since I ruptured my eardrum last winter, but I've had my ears checked and I don't have an ear infection.
The lump fluctuates from about the size of a pea up to about the size of a nickel.
It is relatively round I would say... circular maybe.
It is definitely not soft, but its not rock hard. Its firm though.
It is hard for me to tell if it is moveable, I think it is pretty fixed but it  might be slightly moveable.

Thanks for replying!

[Ken_PA]

"What is she looking for in the ultrasound?"
A cancerous node has its "internal archictecture" effaced. A non-cancerous "reactive" node does not.

"Are my headaches related to the lymph node?"
It's probably more than just a coincidence. Maybe from a infection. Any ear problems? How big is it? What shape is it? Hard or soft? Moveable or fixed?