What Causes Painful Sores And Lumps On The Side Of Neck?

My mother recently had these two painful sores appear on the side of her neck. She now has another one that has appeared near her ear. She says that the whole area around her neck is very sore and it hurts. Also when rubbing her neck she noticed she has a few small lumps under her skin in the same area. What could this be?? Thank you.
Kim