What Does A Lump On The Left Side Of The Neck Indicate?

Hi, I m a 22 year old male that is very healthy (excercise frequently, decent diet, healthy weight.) I do have congenital aortic regurgitation, though I don t believe this information is relevant to my complaint. For over a year now I ve noticed a small hard lump on the left side of my neck that hasn t gone away. I thought it might be a lymph node at first, and my doctor agreed when I first visited him (I m thinking about going back to get some kind of screening) but I m not so sure anymore. There is a slight swelling/protrusion on the same side and area of the neck. There is a very minute dull-ish pain when I press down on it. I ve also been experiencing pulsatile tinnitus in my left ear off and on, wether that may be connected I have no idea. Those are really the only symptoms, and I do plan on going back to my primary care but I was hoping to get a second opinion. Thanks!