Lump on throat beside adams apple.

Hello!

I have what feels like some kind of lump on my throat almost right beside my adams apple on the left side. I can only feel it when i tilt back my head and feel around for it. It doesn't feel that on the other side  of my throat . I've also had the sensation of something stuck  in my throat for a few weeks now (it comes and goes) I have a history of anxiety i'm contantly feeling around mybody , almost as if i  am TRYING to  find something out of place or abnormal. And once i do find it, it completely takes over my mind and scares the hell out of me. I don't know if its just me being paranoid and getting that feeling from contantly touching and  pressing down on my throat or if it's serious. I'm absolutely TERRIFIED to go to a doctor ,i  don't want to find out if it's cancer or something serious. I'm a male ,22 y/o, and a smoker of 8 years. Anybody else have any experience with lumps on their throats? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks  in advance :)

-David