John and Radha were classmates since childhood. When Radha became eleven years old, she developed a little swelling on her neck. She visited the doctor who started medication for her. After a few years, John also developed a slight protrusion on his throat. He got worried and went to the doctor. But, the doctor assured him that it was a normal feature in boys while they are growing up. Can you think of any reasons for the difference in diagnoses?
The swelling of the neck in Radha might be due to undersecretion of thyroxine hormone by the thyroid gland which causes goiter. It is due to deficiency of iodine in the diet. So the doctor gave her proper medicines to treat the disorder. But in John it is due to enlargement of larynx-the voice box which protrudes out in throat region known as Adam’s Apple. This occurs in boys during puberty and they develop deep and hoarse voice.