i have a swollen lymph node on the right side of my ear and it has been that way for more than a year

[swimgym13]

hi, i have had this swollen lymph node on the right side of my head by my ear for over a year and it has not gone away. it is not really large prolly only .4 cm but still worriesome. I also have been having some dizziness and sharp pains in my head and neck. The pain is moderate but im not sure whay to think of it. I just went to the doctor and she thinks i might have vertigo but i have yet to go to the ent. i got blood work done with a cbc diff and everything came back normal but i am still concerned.

[swimgym13]

Thanks so much . Went to the doctor and the lymphnode is fine but i am still having the problem with dizziness. All of my blood work which included  TSH, CBC, lipid, ferritin, and comp metabolic came back normal. I have now been experiencing sharp short head pains and pressure along with the dizziness, and periodically and random times get a really hot and red face with pressure in my head. I am going to the ENT again to get a ENG test to make sure it is not inner ear. Do you know of any other possible causes ?

[Dr J Singh]

Hello,
Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Other causes include allergic reactions, arthritis, cancer, metabolic diseases, and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

Depending on the consistency of the lymph nodes,soft nodes are most likely ginfection or inflammation, firm but rubbery nodes could be lymphoma and rock hard nodes are more likely from some other type of metastatic cancer not lymphoma.

I would suggest a FNAC and biopsy of the swollen lymph node to confirm the diagnosis.Treatment depends on the same.Regarding the the other symptoms,it can be due to anemia,cervical spondolysis,middle ear diseases or neurological causes.Pls get an x-ray and CT heada and neck and your HB levels evaluated after consulting a physician.
I hope that helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted.