Mary and Manoj were classmates and good friends. On turning 11, Mary developed a little bulge on the front of her neck. She visited the doctor who gave her medication and asked to take iodine-rich diet. Similarly, a bump was developed on the front of Manoj's neck when he turned 12. However, the doctor told him that it was a part of growing up. According to you, what could be the possible reason for advising Mary and Manoj differently?
Mary and Manoj were advised differently because their conditions were different.
Mary's bulge on the neck was likely goiter, a medical condition caused by iodine deficiency affecting the thyroid gland. This is why the doctor prescribed medication and an iodine-rich diet.
Manoj's bump, however, was the Adam's apple—a normal physical change during male adolescence. In adolescent boys, the voice box grows larger and becomes visible as a bump in the throat region.
This growth causes the voice to become hoarse and is a natural part of growing up, not a medical condition requiring treatment.
Explanation
Section 6.1 under 'Changes in voice' explains that in adolescent boys, the growth of the voice box leads to a voice that sounds hoarse. The growth may be seen as a bump in the throat region and is called the Adam's apple. This is a normal secondary sexual characteristic in boys. Mary's condition requiring iodine indicates goiter, which is different from the normal Adam's apple development.
Solution Steps
Mary and Manoj were advised differently because their conditions were different.
Mary's bulge was likely goiter, caused by iodine deficiency affecting the thyroid gland.
The doctor prescribed Mary medication and an iodine-rich diet for her condition.
Manoj's bump was the Adam's apple—a normal physical change during male adolescence.
In boys, the voice box grows larger and becomes visible as a bump in the throat region.
This growth causes hoarse voice and is a natural part of growing up, not a medical condition.