Swollen glands, will it be serious?

Ganglia Inflamed in most cases respond to a response from our body to fight an infection. We are going to solve some of the most frequent doubts and know when to worry or not.

What are ganglia?

Ganglia They are normal anatomical structures less than one centimeter in diameter that are part of the lymphatic system. This system is a large network of small tubes that runs through our body and carries a liquid called lymph. Integrated in this network are located grouped in different body areas the lymph nodes.

They are like "service or stop areas" in which the lymph accumulates and is filtered or cleaned of microorganisms (viruses or bacteria) and it is there where we can locate the ganglia groups. The lateral cervical area, the groin, the armpits, the elbows or the area behind the knees are areas where they can be palpated.

These small spherical structures are basically made up of cells of the immune system, the defense manager of our body.

In routine check-ups or infections, we usually palpate the nodes. Usually, we either do not appreciate them or we notice small balls, less than one centimeter (popularly we say that they are the size of a lentil), soft, not painful and that move easily. Its main functions are to clean and filter lymph, and make white blood cells, the cells that help us fight infection.

Is a node an adenopathy?

The ganglion is the name we give to the normal or physiological structure. If it grows, that is, it increases in size, changes in consistency (it is hard or hot) or it hurts, we call it adenopathy. The causes of lymphadenopathy are many but the most frequent in children are infections, both viral as well as bacterial.

This ganglion reaction is due to the fact that, in these lymph stations, a "threat" is detected, a foreign agent that must be combated. To do this, the ganglia begin to manufacture lymphocytes like crazy to fight the virus or bacteria that is attacking us. On palpation, we notice one or a group of nodes the size of a chickpea.

Once the infection is resolved, the adenopathy disappears, that is, the node returns to its normal size. In the case of children, as continuously during the first years of life they usually have numerous episodes of infections in the upper airway (colds, otitis ...), it is very frequent that they present, continuously (for months or years), adenopathy in the side of the neck.

Causes of cervical lymphadenopathy in children

• Infections: it is the most frequent cause in children.
• Diseases of the immune system.
• Endocrine: hypothyroidism, for example.
• Rheumatological: lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Disease Kawasaki.
• Tumors: lymphomas, leukemias or metastases of solid tumors.
• Side effects of some drugs.

Single or bilateral lymphadenopathy

Generally, when we palpate lymphadenopathy on both sides of the neck, it is very likely that we are facing a viral infection such as a cold, pharyngitis or infectious mononucleosis.

If an isolated ganglion is palpated, such as the size of a marble or more, painful, and the skin reddened, we will suspect a bacterial infection, especially by skin bacteria, such as Staphylococcus or the Streptococcus. These bacteria have entered the throat and infiltrate the lymphatic system infecting a ganglion in particular. In these cases, an adenoflemon is formed, which must be treated with antibiotics and controlled by the pediatrician.

When should we worry

The most prudent thing, if the parents palpate any adenopathy, is for them to follow it and assess it. As we have said, it is very likely that it is nothing serious, but it must be controlled.

The warning signs that make us suspect seriousness or justify a careful study are:

• Ganglion of very consistency hard ("like a stone").
• Adenopathy not mobile (When touched it is perceived as if it were "hooked to the tissues").
• Very large adenopathy big (greater than three centimeters in diameter).
• If it increases in size in two weeks, does not decrease in four to six weeks, or does not disappear in 8-12 weeks.
• If they are located in the supraclavicular area, above the clavicle.
• Generalized All over the body: cervical, inguinal, axillary ...
• When it increases in size in 2 weeks, it does not decrease in 4-6 weeks or does not disappear in 8-12 weeks.
• Located in the supraclavicular area. Just above the clavicle: these nodes must always be studied.
• If the appearance of adenopathy is associated with other symptoms such as: enlargement of the liver (heptomegaly) or spleen (splenomegaly), weight loss, night sweats, long-standing fever, general pain, fatigue, bruising or paleness.

• The most prudent thing, if the parents palpate any adenopathy, is to go to the pediatrician to follow it up and assess it. It is very likely that it is nothing serious, but it should be controlled.
• Generally, when we palpate adenopathies on both sides of the neck, it is very likely that we are facing a viral infection such as a cold, pharyngitis or infectious mononucleosis.
• If an isolated ganglion is palpated (the size of a marble or more, painful, and the skin reddened) we will suspect a bacterial infection, especially due to skin bacteria, such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus.

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Pediatric specialist Advance Medical collaborating physician