Adam's apple is more commonly known in men, although in fact, women also have it with a smaller size. If there is swelling around the Adam's apple should be noted immediately. It is possible that this is caused by a disorder of the thyroid gland which is located adjacent to the Adam's apple.
Adam's apple is a body part that is formed when the larynx in the throat grows. Although generally found in men, Adam's apple can also be seen in women. Adam's apple consists of a collection of connective tissue that is close to the thyroid gland.
The function of the thyroid gland is to produce thyroid hormone, which is very important for regulating the body's metabolic rate. The thyroid gland is located just below the Adam's apple which is at the front of the neck. That's why, need to be observed further if there is swelling around the Adam's apple. Generally, thyroid gland disorders will be followed by symptoms such as discomfort or difficulty swallowing.
Types of Thyroid Disorders
Some conditions of thyroid gland disorders that can cause swelling include:
- GoiterIn general, people in Indonesia often refer to it as a goiter. This condition is often associated with a deficiency iodine or iodine. Iodine is a nutrient that the thyroid gland uses to produce thyroid hormones. Generally, these nutrients are obtained from seafood, seaweed, and salt.
- ThyroiditisThyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland that can be caused by a viral infection or autoimmune disease. Symptoms can include fever, neck pain with swelling, and weakness. However, in some cases, thyroiditis can be asymptomatic.
- Thyroid nodules
A lump caused by a thyroid nodule can feel solid or soft and filled with fluid. These lumps are located inside the thyroid gland, and in some cases can look like a swollen Adam's apple. Thyroid nodules vary in size. Some are small, while others are so large that they become visible on the neck and cause difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- Thyroid cancerThe most common symptoms of thyroid cancer include a lump in the neck, hoarseness, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes. However, sometimes the symptoms may not be clearly visible. Thyroid cancer is a rare cancer. Medical procedures for thyroid cancer include surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy.
Neck and Thyroid Function Check
If you suspect swelling around the Adam's apple that is related to the thyroid gland, you can do a self-examination at home before consulting a doctor.
To perform a self-examination of the neck, use a mirror and a glass of water. Then perform the following steps:
- Find the location of the thyroid gland, which is in the front of the neck, just below the Adam's apple. Use your fingers to feel the location.
- Place a mirror in front of you, then tilt your head slightly upwards.
- Drink the prepared water. Keeping your fingers in contact with the thyroid gland, watch for movement in the neck as you swallow. See and feel whether the lump is moving or not.
This examination can help you determine whether the lump you feel is a thyroid gland or not. If the thyroid gland, the lump will also move when swallowing.
To determine disorders of the thyroid and further assess thyroid function, blood tests are necessary. This examination aims to determine the level of hormones produced by the thyroid gland in the body.
Watch out for swelling around the Adam's apple, where there is a thyroid gland that has a vital function for the body. Consult a doctor for further examination, especially if the swelling or lump around the Adam's apple is accompanied by drastic weight loss, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or if the lump appears to be enlarged.
