Lymph node behind behind ear for a month

[Justmoveon]

My 16 year old daughter has a hard lump behind her ear. Noticed it about 3/4 weeks ago. No virus or illness that would explain it. She thinks it’s reduced but I can still see it. She is a bit triggered by it as my husband was diagnosed with throat cancer 2 years ago and his only symptom he had was an enlarged lymph node in his neck. She won’t let me look at it and is reluctant to go to the drs but I have made an appointment for her next week but haven’t told her yet. Does it look like a lymph node or a cyst? I’m trying not to panic but I hoped it would go by now if it’s a lymph node. Any positive stories please

I am absolutely not a health professional. But I had something similar a few years ago during lockdown/covid - lump behind my ear for around 6 weeks. I did then have an ear infection and ultimately it cleared up. However if accessing healthcare had been easier I’d have been to the drs to check. Especially if she’s understandably anxious.

My 9 year old has had a similar lump on her neck for a few years. I've been told it's her lymph nodes that have stayed enlarged.

I first took her to the doctor's after she'd had it for a couple of months, they said to leave it a bit longer. Didn't go so they referred her for a blood test which was all clear.

When you say it's hard, can you move it about with a finger? I was told this was a good sign.

I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about! I had this (exact same spot) come up when I was ill as a teen and I still have it at 36 - it just never went back down. Always best to get these things checked though, you can’t put a price on peace of mind.

Yes. My son had one there. It lasted quite a few months and seemed to vary in size.

Not quite the same thing but I wear glasses and often get lumps in exactly the same spot.

i’m not sure what @socialdontcare is saying is helpful

I had one in the same place when I was a young adult. It was there for months/years. That was 25 years ago. It eventually went away by itself

that said it would be worthwhile seeing a doctor just so they can reassure you

FFS

My DD had one like this pre Christmas. Was sent to hospital in case it was mastoiditis. It wasn’t. Just lymph nodes/run down. Took a few weeks to go down.