Neck

Angina: infection in the throat, and more specifically in the tonsils. It can extend to the entire pharynx. Angina is due either to a virus – this is the most frequent case – or to a bacterium and is characterized by a severe sore throat.

Laryngitis: inflammation of the larynx, especially in the vocal cords. Talking then becomes painful. There are two types of laryngitis: acute laryngitis and chronic laryngitis and there are differences between laryngitis in children and adults.

Pharyngitis: inflammation of the pharynx, most often due to a mild infection, caused by a virus or bacteria. When the inflammation also affects the nasal mucous membranes, it is called nasopharyngitis.

Cyst: a cyst is a cavity that contains a liquid or a semi-solid substance that forms in an organ or in a tissue. The vast majority of cysts are not cancerous. At the level of the neck, the most frequent is the cyst of the thyroglossal tract (3) (nearly 70% of congenital anomalies in this area). Of embryonic origin, it is the consequence of abnormal development of the thyroid during the first weeks of pregnancy. In 50% of cases it appears before the age of 20. Infection is usually its main complication.

Lymph nodes (lymph nodes): most often, it is a lymph node that swells in response to an infection, such as a common 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.

Pathologies of the thyroid gland

Goiter: refers to an enlargement of the thyroid gland. It is common, especially in women. Goiter itself is not a disease. It can be present in a wide variety of diseases.

Thyroid nodule: It is not uncommon for a small mass to form in the thyroid gland, for reasons that are still often unknown. It is called thyroid nodule.

Thyroid cancer: Thyroid cancer is a rather rare cancer. In France, there are 4,000 new cases per year (for 40,000 breast cancers). It concerns women at 75%. This cancer is often detected at an early stage. The treatment is then very effective with a cure in 90% of cases.

Hypothyroidism: result of insufficient hormone production by the thyroid gland. The people most affected by this condition are women after 50 years.

Hyperthyroidism: means an abnormally high production of hormones by the thyroid gland. It is less common than hypothyroidism. In people with hyperthyroidism, their metabolism works at an accelerated rate. They may feel jittery, have frequent bowel movements, shake and lose weight, for example.