About 9 months ago, I noticed that the lymph node behind the back of the jaw on the left side was being pushed out from behind my jaw. It wasn't really swollen, but it freaked me out, so I went to the doctor. Doctor said that it wasn't really swollen, did a CBC (which came back fine), and sent me home.

Five months or so ago, I never thought much of it, but there started to be some blood in the mucus in my left nostril, which has been pretty consistent since then.

Just recently I really noticed the lymph node again, and started messing with it. The more I noticed it, the more i felt like that side of my face was inflamed with jaw pain, ear pain, etc. During this time also, It felt like there was a lump in my throat, which subsequently would feel inflamed. I also recently noticed a weird hard line on my tongue, which does not hurt and is not ulcerated.

I could say I have not treated my body with the most respect, as I am 28 years old have been using dip for the last 7 years or so and smoked a bit before that. A couple years ago I watched a friend of mine pass away from metastatic testicular cancer at the age of 25, so I am incredibly concerned. This last month has been really hard.

I have seen a couple doctors, who have mostly attributed this to TMJ, and I have had regular dentist visits, all of which are aware of my tobacco use. I am going to see the ENT today, and I guess I just want to make sure they will do everything necessary for detection. Will they be able to scope me today? Should I ask for CT, MRI, PET??? The blood in my sinuses has recently been the thing that scares me the most, cause that seems to be a big indication of cancer. I never thought much of it because I am a casual boxer, and used to get bloody noses all the time even before that.

Any advice or encouragement would be much appreciated!