Tangier disease (TD) is a rare lipoprotein metabolism disorder characterized biochemically by an almost complete absence of plasma high-density lipoproteins (HDL), and clinically by liver, spleen, lymph node and tonsil enlargement along with peripheral neuropathy in children and adolescents, and, occasionally, cardiovascular disease in adults.

Increase in size of the tonsils, small collections of lymphoid tissue facing into the aerodigestive tract on either side of the back part of the throat.