Lymph node scare

[butterflylove7]

Hi all,

I am a 23 year old female. About 3 months ago, I noticed a lump behind one of my ears. I believe it is my lymph node. The lymph node is not visible, but i can feel it with i press down on it.
It is hard. It feels almost like a bone or muscle, but it is circular so I know it cannot be either one. It does not hurt. I roughly measured it and it is about 2-2.5 cm in diameter. I NEVER remember it being swollen out of my neck to the point it was visible to the eye.
I am not sure if it has been there longer than the 3 months, but that is only when I noticed it.

The only thing I can think of is my oral care.
I have a lot of dental care that needs to be done. I had a root canal done a yr ago, that still isnt done (needs to be capped) and it is on the same side of my lymph node. I also have another root canal that needs to be done.

Is dental care a cause for posterior lateral superficial cervical lymph nodes to swell. I am assuming it is this lymph node that is swollen cause I looked at pictures.

thanks in advance

[butterflylove7]

Thanks for the reply, Steph.
No, no cat bites for me.

Where you able to see and feel you swollen lymph nodes?

[Steph032989]

It very well could be. One reason is that our mouths hold so much bacteria and is grounds for infection if poor roots are available in a sense. I know that when I was bit by a feral kitten I had both lymph nodes behind my ears swell as well as two additional in my neck area on the right side. They hurt so badly to cough or laugh. A round of Doxycycline cleared it up. Haven't been bitten by any cats right? They hold a lot of bacteria in their mouths as well. You may want to check in with a doctor if able because it could be other things as well..Hope that helps some. -Steph