What Causes Pain In The Neck While Swallowing?

I m female and 43. History of drinking. 3 weeks ago noticed pain in neck and pain swallowing. I stuck my finger down my throat and felt a squishy mass on the right side. I freaked out with fear that it was cancer. My friend who is an ENT nurse said cancer doesn t present like that. I went to urgent care the next day and no one could see the lump, it was too deep in my throat. I was told I had swollen glands, sore pharynx, slightly enlarged tonsils and fluid in right ear, low grade fever. Now I continue to have pain in my neck and throat, also in my jaw a little on right side. Sometimes down to collar bone. No lumps visible or felt on neck from outside. I m so scared though. I m seeing an ENT Monday but I m so panicked I cannot sleep. Help.