I started experiencing pain while swallowing on the left side of my throat about 4 days ago and the next day after experienced even worse pain while swallowing. I discovered a large swollen mass on the left side of my throat starting at right above and to the left of my adams apple and up the side of my neck about two inches. The pain while swallowing persisted until I took an aleve and the pain went away. The mass for the most part is firm and doesn't move well. The mass doesn't hurt but is tender to touch and occasionally hurts to touch. I went to a doctor and was tested for strep (which came back negative). Can anybody shed some light on what my problem could be and what would be the best way to approach it?