Can TMJ cause swollen node in neck?

Hi there! Well, I have TMJ, and I also have a swollen node (although mine is on the right side, behind the lobe & I have TMJ on both sides of the jaw). I'm not sure that this is related to TMJ. Do you wear earrings or maybe just one earring on that side? When I had the swollen node examined by a doctor at a regular checkup, she suggested I take out my earrings and wait for a couple of weeks to see if the swelling went down. It DID go down considerably. Apparently I am allergic to the metal in earrings and this is misinterpreted as an infection, causing the lymph nodes to swell, though it caused no noticeable irritation in my ear itself. Also, do you have any cavities? This, too, can cause swollen lymph nodes on the side of the cavity, especially if it has reached root. Because TMJ isn't an infection of any kind, I don't believe it would cause swelling of the node. If it is benign, though, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Just take a good hard look at your face and the surrounding area. Any cuts, piercings, or cavities? Any of these things could be the cause. My lymph nodes also react violently to dying my hair, and stay swollen for months. Good luck!