What's going on with these lumps?

Question

So I'm pretty sure it's something to do with my lymph nodes. I have one larger lump behind my left hand ear and a smaller pea sized lump just under. They are both hard and don't move. I first noticed them when I had a sore neck over a month agor now after a night out drinking with a friend. The tenderness went but now they are just there. No bigger and no smaller. 
I know I should go to the doctor and I will as soon as I can and I am back home. What worries me though is that they need to take some test over the next couple of weeks and I plan to start my travels in a couple of weeks. I've been looking forward to travelling for such a long time and have spent a lot of money booking it up and now I'm so scared ill have to cancel. 
Anyway has anyone else had a problem with their lymph nodes and random swellings. I have no other health concerns and haven't been sick for at least 4 months!

Thanks

thinkingtime · Answer

Lymph nodes are part of your immune system. They swell quickly when infection is detected and shrink slowly.

Anonymous · Answer

I've had swollen nodes for like 6 years. Sometimes after infection they don't go back down as long as you monitor them and they don't get any bigger you should be ok. Also the fact that they've been tender is a good sign usually cancerous nodes are non tender

Pippin · Answer

An infection can result in swollen glands that stay hard ("shotty" is the common term) for a long time.  
If you are concerned, you can see your doctor now.  He should be able to reassure you that it's nothing to worry about. Or, if it is of possible concern,  whether it's safe to do your traveling and do more tests when you get home, or it's something you need to deal with now. (You won't enjoy your traveling if you are fretting all the time about it, right?)

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What's going on with these lumps?

3 Answers