Welcome to NeuroTalk:

I can certainly understand your anxiety.

First off, lymphoma swellings are not usually painful. They may cause edema of the abdomen, lungs or extremities, but they usually are not sore. They can however cause pain, when you drink alcohol. The reason for this is not understood.

The itching that comes with Lymphoma is usually global, all over, and not confined to certain spots.

Lymph nodes may swell up with viral Mononucleosis, and you may feel tired, and lose weight. Mono will also affect the liver in some people and that would show up on blood tests.

You could get an infected neck node from scratching your scalp if some bacteria got into you that way. There are cysts that happen on the back of the neck, but they are not usually painful.

I'd try to relax until your test results come back. Lymph nodes are supposed to catch bacteria that get thru the skin, and that is their job.

Your doctor is just being thorough in asking you many questions. That is far better for you than brushing you off, which some might do instead.