Large lump just found in left neck

Dear Ask The Doctor: My mom discovered a large lump on her neck yesterday morning and has no idea how long it has been there. It is towards the side of her neck on the left side. If you were to draw a line from her chin to the side of her neck (just past the middle of her neck), it would be about 1 inch below that line. The lump feels about 1.5 inches. It is firm, and she said that she feels as though it doesn't move much if she feels it. It is causing her some tenderness when touched, and also causing her some discomfort in the back of her head (sore) about 3 inches directly above the lump. She found it because she had a couple pimples on her scalp which were bothering her, then noticed the sore spot on her head and eventually found the large lump. It is visible when I look at her, but normally her hair would cover it up so she has no idea how long she's had it. Should she be concerned about cancer? Could this be a lymph node or a mass that developed? Any info would be appreciated.

Dear Betsy: I do understand your concern regarding your mother's health. You have mentioned that your mother had a couple of pimples on her scalp. It is a possibility the the enlarged lymph node is due to the scalp infection. I would suggest that your mother see her doctor for antibiotics if necessary. If the lymph-nodes do not subside with antibiotics or your mother has additional symptoms like weight loss, fever and night sweats, I would then suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.