I am a smoker (approx. 1/2 pack per day) and have been experiencing a swollen gland in my throat. I went to my family dr and he took an ultrasound of my carotid artery and said that was fine but never pursued anything else. It's not all of the time but when it does feel swollen, the "feeling" radiates up into my temple and down into my chest on the same side. It doesn't hurt but I notice it. -I've also been trying to cut back on smoking and quitting. However, this scares me and I'm not sure who I would see for something like this and if it's ever been heard of. My dr treated me as if I was exaggerating.