The ganglia

The ganglia

What are Ganglia?

Lymph nodes, more accurately referred to as lymph nodes, are small organs that filter the lymph. Lymph is a clear liquid that circulates in the lymphatic system, a collection of vessels and organs found throughout the body.

The lymphatic system plays several roles: it drains the interstitial fluid, which is the fluid in which the cells bathe, filters it and ensures the defense of the organism thanks to lymphocytes (or white blood cells).

The lymph nodes are grouped along the lymphatic vessels and there are hundreds of them. Certain lymphatic “nodes”, or groupings of ganglia, are better known because they are sometimes noticeable: they are especially those of the groin, armpits, neck.

Most of the nodes are between 1 and 25 mm in length and are shaped like beans.

When swelling, either from an infection (in most cases) or from a tumor, the nodes are often painful and noticeable on palpation (they easily measure over 1 cm in these cases) . This is called lymphadenopathy.

What are the causes that can cause lymph nodes to swell?

The causes of lymphadenopathy, that is to say abnormal swelling of the nodes, are multiple. Most often, only certain lymph nodes swell, in particular in the cervical region (head, neck or ENT area), in one or more clavicles, in the groin or armpits.

If the occurrence of a swollen node should always alert, it is most often benign. An infection or injury near the swollen node is usually responsible.

  • in the cervical region (neck ganglia in particular), it may be a simple ENT infection (pharyngitis, cold, flu, etc.), an infection of a salivary gland, a dental abscess, etc. .
  • at the collarbone, the swollen node is more suspicious, and may be a sign of cancer. The organs “drained” by these nodes are the digestive tract, kidneys, lungs and pelvis / abdomen more generally, so the possibilities are endless.
  • in the groin, it may be an infection of the uro-genital area, anal, or a problem in the lower limbs
  • in the armpits: make sure it is not breast cancer.

When one or more lymph nodes start to swell, it is considered cancer in about 1% of cases.

Certain infectious diseases can lead to generalized lymphadenopathy, in particular:

  • infectious mononucleosis
  • toxoplasmosis
  • HIV
  • hepatitis
  • certain parasitic diseases acquired in tropical countries, tuberculosis, brucellosis, etc.

But also :

  • taking certain medications (phenytoin, carbamazepine, etc.)
  • cancers such as lymphoma or leukemia
  • Certain inflammatory diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or sarcoidosis

Warning: feeling a lump under the skin does not necessarily mean that it is a lymph node. Cysts, fat balls, hernias or arterial masses can be mistaken for lymph nodes.

What are the consequences of swollen lymph nodes?

A swollen node is an abnormal sign. Most often, the lymph node returns to its normal state within a few days, when the infection in question disappears.

If a lymph node remains swollen, is hard to the touch, or the lymphadenopathy is generalized, it is essential to consult a doctor without delay. This can be a sign of an underlying cancer, and further examinations (including a biopsy) will be needed.

What are the solutions for swollen glands?

If there is an obvious infection near the swollen node, there is no need to worry. This will return to its normal appearance after a few days, once the infection has been treated. In some cases (bacterial infections) it may be necessary to take antibiotics to treat the cause.

In other cases (no obvious infection), or when the lymph nodes remain swollen and are not tender to the touch but rather firm, hard and elastic, it is important to consult your doctor without delay. The lymph node may be a sign that cancer is growing nearby.

Read also :

What you need to know about mononucleosis

Our sheet on hepatitis

Our fact sheet on toxoplasmosis

 

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