First off I'm a 56 year old canuck from the oil capital of Canada, Fort McMurray. Other than smoking for over 35 years I've lead a fairly healthy life and haven't had any serious problems.

I've had a prominent painless lymph node just under the angle of the rear part of my left jaw for a few years. I wasn't really concerned with it and my doctor didn't say anything about it during a physical I had a couple years ago. During my physical this past July he noticed the prominent gland without touching it (it's been visible for a year or so) and decided I should have blood work and an ultrasound. The blood tests were negative for infection etc. but the ultrasound report said the left cervical chain looked abnormal. I had a biopsy performed last Wednesday and should get the good or bad news late next week or early the next. I told my doctor that I wasn't really concerned about it due to the length of time that it has been prominent and he agreed that was a good sign however he seems to be more worried about this than I am.

Does anyone know of any condition other than cancer that could cause a growing but painless node?

Thanks in advance.