Right side neck tenderness with swollen occipital glands?

it could be infection, cancer, inflammatory disease, abscess. But it sounds like an infection especially if it only on one side, does your head itch it could be a fungal infection? Have you had any recent injury to explain the swelling? Any stings, bites, new medication, the lymph node on the left side of my neck swelled up tremendously one time and stayed like that for about a week or so.. I am allergic to wasps and I got stung in the back of the head by one, speak with your doctor as he is the only one who can accurately diagnose you