Jackie, I'm sure by now you have your answer. My dad was just dx with parotid gland cancer(one of the salivary glands). He had a knot appear right under his ear (where the lynph glands are) This was positive for squamous cell carcinoma. To my understanding if it is a primary parotid gland tumor(rare) it is more aggressive than any other. It is common to have sore throats and neck pain. Also difficulty in swallowing. This is curable but important to catch it in time! Who had cancer? Would be interested in comparing notes.