I have a small red lump on the left back side of my tongue for a bit less than a week. it is painful and my throat is sore. is it cancer?

Doctor can examine: Throat pain can be from a strep throat infection (antibiotics are needed), a cold or influenza (antibiotics usually not used), or from some other cause such as allergies, irritants, or acid reflux. Lymph tissue at the back of the tongue can inflame like tonsils can. Usually, a person sees the doctor if the sore throat is bothersome, recurrent or doesn't go away quickly (mainly to check for strep).