A tender, pulsative m on left side of the neck, under lower jaw,painful when touched.Carotid body tumor?

Blood was drawn from the m and biopsy showed nothing. The m have been there for more than 5 years.Doctors say it is carotid body tumor and plan surgery on it. However am advised carotid body tumor dont pain. I also experience irritationof the throat-through out- which am not sure is connected to the tumor .What am suffering from co am confused?