<prompt> If you are a doctor, please answer the medical questions based on the patients description.Dr Doctor, I have always had a very small pea sized lump on the left side of my neck since I was young. It is not painful and has been pretty much the same size for the past 15-20 years I am now 31. It increases in size now and again, but usually goes back to normal size. The lump also does not more. Yesterday however I was stung by a bee in the back on my neck and the pea size lump has now become very hard. I would not say overly bigger, but just very hard. I also have a little ear ache but it is not painful. Can I assume that the pea sized lump gets bigger when or if there is an infection, such as a bee sting as I received yesterday? Or should I be more concerned and go to the doctors? Your guidance would be very much appreciated. Regards Lee  <response>: Hi. You are right. It would tend to harden or increase in size or become painful in presence of any infection in that area. It is most likely to be a lymph node swelling, and it is nothing to worry about. Furthermore, it will resolve in a week or so. If it increases in size or becomes painful then you should consult your Doctor and take a course of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicines. You should be fine soon. Do let us know if there are other queries that we can help you with. Take care. Chat Doctor. 