Hiya, I am new to this forum but just had to post as we are in the same boat. 
I discovered a swollen gland behind my ear about 5 weeks ago. The Dr said it'd go down, I prodded it to death, and it got bigger. In the last week I have decided to only feel it gently once a day and it's got much smaller but is still there. 
I had bloods done- GP said they were fine. 
I was booked to see a consultant (at my insistence) end of Nov but the hospital called today to say I need to be seen under the 2 week pathway and I'd get an appt sooner. So that has worried me greatly because I don't know why they've now decided I need fast tracking. 
Anyway, I came to tell you- don't prod it! It will swell! 
from my reading, one solitary swollen gland is less concerning than a group. I live in fear I have more that I just can't feel. But I have severe health anxiety so this doesn't help. 
Hope that helps a bit, and all goes well with you xx

Hi

thanks for replying. So glad you pushed to see consultant. I think we know our bodies better than anyone and when something isnt right we should always push the doctors even if you annoy them.

It sounds to me they are getting you on the 2 week pathway simply so you can get an appoitment earlier. Maybe they have on notes you have anxiety and would like to put you at ease?

I hope your consultation goes okay. Im very nervous about tomorrow at the GP but its better to do something instead of letting it bother you for even longer. I try not to touch it but its very hard not to when its always on your mind 

xxxxxxxxx

I really hope you're right and they have put me on the two week pathway because of my anxiety, and at least I will know whether it's something to worry about sooner rather than later. 

Best of luck for your GP appt. The worry really is sickening, I know it so well. You are being proactive, that's the main thing. It will all be resolved much quicker because you are pushing things on. 
 

Please take my advice and don't Google too much, or touch the lump. Do it gently once a day if you have to. Write down if you think its got bigger or smaller (it's good to have an idea of how big you think it is to start with- eg size of a lentil, size of a pea). If you feel the need to touch it again, re read what you wrote- as touching it again won't tell you anything new! Just tips that have helped me xxxx