The ganglion is naturally present in the body. It is a sort of “trash can” in which the white blood cells which have performed their role of immune defense are lodged. Commonly we speak of ganglion when a lump or lump appears in the neck or throat, and is often a source of concern.

The lymph node is the appearance of a lump or lump in the neck or throat, and is often a cause for concern.

The localization can vary: on the sides under the jaw, on the anterior face of the neck, or in the neck on one side or the other, etc. The ball may be painless or sensitive, soft or hard, roll under the fingers or not.

Most often, it is a lymph node that swells in response to an infection, such as a simple cold for example.

However, there are many other possible causes of “swelling” occurring in the neck or throat. It is therefore advisable to consult your doctor in the slightest doubt, in order to determine the origin.

A lump that appears in the neck area can have many origins. Most of the time, it is one (or more) lymph nodes.

The lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system and are distributed throughout the body: they are called the lymph node. Their role is to filter the lymph, and trap viruses or bacteria that attack the body, to prevent them from entering the blood. In a way, they are the sentinels of the immune system.

In case of infection, the lymph nodes release many white blood cells and swell: this is a completely normal defense sign.

In the neck area, there are several chains of ganglia, especially under the jaw or vertically, on the sides of the neck. In the event of infection, in particular ENT (ear, throat, nose), these nodes can swell.

They are often painful but they deflate in a few days. Infections such as infectious mononucleosis or tuberculosis can also lead to lymphadenopathy (swelling of the lymph nodes), sometimes generalized and persistent.

More rarely, the lymph nodes can also swell due to a serious disease such as cancer, especially blood cancers such as lymphomas. It is therefore essential to consult if a swollen node persists.

Other factors can cause a lump in the neck to appear, including:

• Inflammation (or swelling) of the salivary glands, caused by infection (such as mumps) or cancer. The presence of stones (lithiasis) in the drainage ducts of the salivary glands can also cause swelling and pain.
• Presence of a benign cyst.
• Presence of a goiter: swelling of the thyroid gland due to its dysregulation, on the front of the neck.

Other causes: insect bites, acne pimples, warts, etc.

If the lump is really big and painful, it can interfere with swallowing or limit rotational movements of the head. However, the lump is rarely problematic in itself: it is the cause that must be sought and which can be more or less serious.

Again, the solution depends on the cause. If it is a minor infection, such as a bad cold or pharyngitis, which causes swelling of the glands, you should know that everything will return to order in a few days, once the infection has passed. .

If the nodes are really painful, taking analgesics such as paracetamol is recommended at the prescribed doses.

If the nodes are really painful, taking analgesics (paracetamol or acetaminophen, ibuprofen, etc.) is recommended.

If the lymph nodes swell without an obvious cause and / or remain swollen, it is important to see the doctor to make sure that no serious condition is involved.

If the thyroid gland is dysfunctional, appropriate hormonal treatment, for example, may be necessary. If there is a cyst, surgery may be possible.