Why does my adams apple hurt

An ear, nose and throat doctor addresses the causes of a sore or painful Adam’s apple.

Are you feeling pain or soreness at or near the Adam’s apple?

“The Adam’s apple is also known as the thyroid cartilage,” says Dr. Stacey Silvers, MD, of Madison ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery in NYC, who is board certified in otolaryngology.

“If that area of the throat is sore, this may be from inflammation of the cartilage, inflammation of the thyroid gland which is close to this cartilage, or from acid reflux,” explains Dr. Silvers.

“Acid from the stomach comes up and irritates the back of the throat, causing redness and swelling.

“The location of the swelling is behind the Adam’s apple in the throat, giving a sense that the Adam’s apple is the location of the pain.

“The throat pain and/or a lump in the throat may be the patient’s only symptom.

“If the symptom is associated with fever or redness over the area, see your doctor as you may have an infection of the thyroid or the thyroid cartilage.”

Can stress cause acid reflux?

Dr. Silver says, “Stress is in many patients the cause of acid reflux and can cause a lump in the throat and throat pain.

“Stress will increase the production of stomach acid and the acid can reflux up.”

An NYC expert in ear, nose and throat care, Dr. Silvers has been named among America’s Top Physicians and Surgeons in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology numerous times since 2003.
Lorra Garrick
has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.  . Top image: Shutterstock/9nong  

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Was this helpful?

  • The Adam’s apple is more formally known as the thyroid cartilage, which is in front of the voice box and grows larger during puberty. While the Adam’s apple’s purpose is next to nothing, it’s a common physical feature in men. There are some myths about Adam’s apples, such as where the name came from, so find out more surprising facts about Adam’s apples here.

  • Perhaps it should be called the Adam and Eve apple.

    That’s because women can also have an Adam’s apple. Many people think only men have Adam’s apples, but actually everyone has one because the Adam’s apple is simply the cartilage in front of the larynx, or voice box. A man’s Adam’s apple tends to grow bigger than a woman’s does, so a man’s sticks out more prominently. The Adam’s apple in women is usually not visible, but sometimes it is.

  • The name didn’t actually come from the biblical story in Genesis.

    While it seems logical that the name “Adam’s apple” comes from the story of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden (and the fruit getting stuck in Adam’s throat as a reminder of his sin), that’s not where the term originated. Going back to the early 1600s, European writers used Latin variations of the term Adam’s apple to refer to various fruits, including the pomegranate. At the same time, medieval Arabic medical writers, for some unknown reason, settled on the term “pomegranate” to refer to the protrusion of cartilage in the throat. It just so happens that the Latin terms for “apple” and “pomegranate” are very similar, so when translated into English, the Adam’s apple got its name from a pomegranate.

  • The Adam’s apple anatomy can be helpful during breathing emergencies.

    A cricothyroidotomy is the cut made in the throat to insert a tracheostomy tube for breathing. If a breathing tube cannot be inserted through the nose or mouth for some reason, the next choice is through the cricothyroid membrane, which is between the thyroid cartilage and the cricoid cartilage. The Adam’s apple, which is another name for the thyroid cartilage, helps orient the person inserting the hollow needle into the throat.

  • Plastic surgery makes Adam’s apple removal possible.

    Well, maybe not total removal, but a size reduction often makes a big difference for patients who want a less noticeable Adam’s apple. In a procedure called a chondrolaryngoplasty, or tracheal shaving, a plastic surgeon removes or reduces the size of the thyroid cartilage, usually creating a more feminine appearance. Done carefully, the surgery won’t change the sound of the person’s voice, which is a risk if the larynx and vocal cords are damaged during the procedure.

  • Adam’s apple pain could be a sign of a bigger problem.

    While it may not be the Adam’s apple itself that’s hurting, pain in your neck and throat near the Adam’s apple can potentially be a serious problem. Sore throat and pain when swallowing are two symptoms of laryngeal cancer, but this disease also comes with a lot of other symptoms, such as persistent cough, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, bad breath, and persistent ear pain.

    Pain in your neck and throat can also be a symptom of advanced thyroid cancer, but it, too, comes with other symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes and hoarseness. Before you start panicking, remember that sore throat can just be a symptom of the common cold or heartburn. If you’re concerned about persistent pain near your Adam’s apple, talk to your doctor.

Was this helpful?

Ashley Festa is a Greenville, S.C.-based freelance writer and editor who has been writing professionally for nearly two decades. In addition to Healthgrades, she also has written for Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, the University of Texas at Arlington School of Nursing and Health Innovation, and Fit Pregnancy magazine.

Last Review Date: 2021 Jun 18

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

Page 2

Was this helpful?

  • The Adam’s apple is more formally known as the thyroid cartilage, which is in front of the voice box and grows larger during puberty. While the Adam’s apple’s purpose is next to nothing, it’s a common physical feature in men. There are some myths about Adam’s apples, such as where the name came from, so find out more surprising facts about Adam’s apples here.

  • Perhaps it should be called the Adam and Eve apple.

    That’s because women can also have an Adam’s apple. Many people think only men have Adam’s apples, but actually everyone has one because the Adam’s apple is simply the cartilage in front of the larynx, or voice box. A man’s Adam’s apple tends to grow bigger than a woman’s does, so a man’s sticks out more prominently. The Adam’s apple in women is usually not visible, but sometimes it is.

  • The name didn’t actually come from the biblical story in Genesis.

    While it seems logical that the name “Adam’s apple” comes from the story of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden (and the fruit getting stuck in Adam’s throat as a reminder of his sin), that’s not where the term originated. Going back to the early 1600s, European writers used Latin variations of the term Adam’s apple to refer to various fruits, including the pomegranate. At the same time, medieval Arabic medical writers, for some unknown reason, settled on the term “pomegranate” to refer to the protrusion of cartilage in the throat. It just so happens that the Latin terms for “apple” and “pomegranate” are very similar, so when translated into English, the Adam’s apple got its name from a pomegranate.

  • The Adam’s apple anatomy can be helpful during breathing emergencies.

    A cricothyroidotomy is the cut made in the throat to insert a tracheostomy tube for breathing. If a breathing tube cannot be inserted through the nose or mouth for some reason, the next choice is through the cricothyroid membrane, which is between the thyroid cartilage and the cricoid cartilage. The Adam’s apple, which is another name for the thyroid cartilage, helps orient the person inserting the hollow needle into the throat.

  • Plastic surgery makes Adam’s apple removal possible.

    Well, maybe not total removal, but a size reduction often makes a big difference for patients who want a less noticeable Adam’s apple. In a procedure called a chondrolaryngoplasty, or tracheal shaving, a plastic surgeon removes or reduces the size of the thyroid cartilage, usually creating a more feminine appearance. Done carefully, the surgery won’t change the sound of the person’s voice, which is a risk if the larynx and vocal cords are damaged during the procedure.

  • Adam’s apple pain could be a sign of a bigger problem.

    While it may not be the Adam’s apple itself that’s hurting, pain in your neck and throat near the Adam’s apple can potentially be a serious problem. Sore throat and pain when swallowing are two symptoms of laryngeal cancer, but this disease also comes with a lot of other symptoms, such as persistent cough, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, bad breath, and persistent ear pain.

    Pain in your neck and throat can also be a symptom of advanced thyroid cancer, but it, too, comes with other symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes and hoarseness. Before you start panicking, remember that sore throat can just be a symptom of the common cold or heartburn. If you’re concerned about persistent pain near your Adam’s apple, talk to your doctor.

Was this helpful?

Ashley Festa is a Greenville, S.C.-based freelance writer and editor who has been writing professionally for nearly two decades. In addition to Healthgrades, she also has written for Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, the University of Texas at Arlington School of Nursing and Health Innovation, and Fit Pregnancy magazine.

Last Review Date: 2021 Jun 18

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

Page 3

Was this helpful?

  • The Adam’s apple is more formally known as the thyroid cartilage, which is in front of the voice box and grows larger during puberty. While the Adam’s apple’s purpose is next to nothing, it’s a common physical feature in men. There are some myths about Adam’s apples, such as where the name came from, so find out more surprising facts about Adam’s apples here.

  • Perhaps it should be called the Adam and Eve apple.

    That’s because women can also have an Adam’s apple. Many people think only men have Adam’s apples, but actually everyone has one because the Adam’s apple is simply the cartilage in front of the larynx, or voice box. A man’s Adam’s apple tends to grow bigger than a woman’s does, so a man’s sticks out more prominently. The Adam’s apple in women is usually not visible, but sometimes it is.

  • The name didn’t actually come from the biblical story in Genesis.

    While it seems logical that the name “Adam’s apple” comes from the story of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden (and the fruit getting stuck in Adam’s throat as a reminder of his sin), that’s not where the term originated. Going back to the early 1600s, European writers used Latin variations of the term Adam’s apple to refer to various fruits, including the pomegranate. At the same time, medieval Arabic medical writers, for some unknown reason, settled on the term “pomegranate” to refer to the protrusion of cartilage in the throat. It just so happens that the Latin terms for “apple” and “pomegranate” are very similar, so when translated into English, the Adam’s apple got its name from a pomegranate.

  • The Adam’s apple anatomy can be helpful during breathing emergencies.

    A cricothyroidotomy is the cut made in the throat to insert a tracheostomy tube for breathing. If a breathing tube cannot be inserted through the nose or mouth for some reason, the next choice is through the cricothyroid membrane, which is between the thyroid cartilage and the cricoid cartilage. The Adam’s apple, which is another name for the thyroid cartilage, helps orient the person inserting the hollow needle into the throat.

  • Plastic surgery makes Adam’s apple removal possible.

    Well, maybe not total removal, but a size reduction often makes a big difference for patients who want a less noticeable Adam’s apple. In a procedure called a chondrolaryngoplasty, or tracheal shaving, a plastic surgeon removes or reduces the size of the thyroid cartilage, usually creating a more feminine appearance. Done carefully, the surgery won’t change the sound of the person’s voice, which is a risk if the larynx and vocal cords are damaged during the procedure.

  • Adam’s apple pain could be a sign of a bigger problem.

    While it may not be the Adam’s apple itself that’s hurting, pain in your neck and throat near the Adam’s apple can potentially be a serious problem. Sore throat and pain when swallowing are two symptoms of laryngeal cancer, but this disease also comes with a lot of other symptoms, such as persistent cough, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, bad breath, and persistent ear pain.

    Pain in your neck and throat can also be a symptom of advanced thyroid cancer, but it, too, comes with other symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes and hoarseness. Before you start panicking, remember that sore throat can just be a symptom of the common cold or heartburn. If you’re concerned about persistent pain near your Adam’s apple, talk to your doctor.

Was this helpful?

Ashley Festa is a Greenville, S.C.-based freelance writer and editor who has been writing professionally for nearly two decades. In addition to Healthgrades, she also has written for Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, the University of Texas at Arlington School of Nursing and Health Innovation, and Fit Pregnancy magazine.

Last Review Date: 2021 Jun 18

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

Page 4

Was this helpful?

  • The Adam’s apple is more formally known as the thyroid cartilage, which is in front of the voice box and grows larger during puberty. While the Adam’s apple’s purpose is next to nothing, it’s a common physical feature in men. There are some myths about Adam’s apples, such as where the name came from, so find out more surprising facts about Adam’s apples here.

  • Perhaps it should be called the Adam and Eve apple.

    That’s because women can also have an Adam’s apple. Many people think only men have Adam’s apples, but actually everyone has one because the Adam’s apple is simply the cartilage in front of the larynx, or voice box. A man’s Adam’s apple tends to grow bigger than a woman’s does, so a man’s sticks out more prominently. The Adam’s apple in women is usually not visible, but sometimes it is.

  • The name didn’t actually come from the biblical story in Genesis.

    While it seems logical that the name “Adam’s apple” comes from the story of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden (and the fruit getting stuck in Adam’s throat as a reminder of his sin), that’s not where the term originated. Going back to the early 1600s, European writers used Latin variations of the term Adam’s apple to refer to various fruits, including the pomegranate. At the same time, medieval Arabic medical writers, for some unknown reason, settled on the term “pomegranate” to refer to the protrusion of cartilage in the throat. It just so happens that the Latin terms for “apple” and “pomegranate” are very similar, so when translated into English, the Adam’s apple got its name from a pomegranate.

  • The Adam’s apple anatomy can be helpful during breathing emergencies.

    A cricothyroidotomy is the cut made in the throat to insert a tracheostomy tube for breathing. If a breathing tube cannot be inserted through the nose or mouth for some reason, the next choice is through the cricothyroid membrane, which is between the thyroid cartilage and the cricoid cartilage. The Adam’s apple, which is another name for the thyroid cartilage, helps orient the person inserting the hollow needle into the throat.

  • Plastic surgery makes Adam’s apple removal possible.

    Well, maybe not total removal, but a size reduction often makes a big difference for patients who want a less noticeable Adam’s apple. In a procedure called a chondrolaryngoplasty, or tracheal shaving, a plastic surgeon removes or reduces the size of the thyroid cartilage, usually creating a more feminine appearance. Done carefully, the surgery won’t change the sound of the person’s voice, which is a risk if the larynx and vocal cords are damaged during the procedure.

  • Adam’s apple pain could be a sign of a bigger problem.

    While it may not be the Adam’s apple itself that’s hurting, pain in your neck and throat near the Adam’s apple can potentially be a serious problem. Sore throat and pain when swallowing are two symptoms of laryngeal cancer, but this disease also comes with a lot of other symptoms, such as persistent cough, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, bad breath, and persistent ear pain.

    Pain in your neck and throat can also be a symptom of advanced thyroid cancer, but it, too, comes with other symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes and hoarseness. Before you start panicking, remember that sore throat can just be a symptom of the common cold or heartburn. If you’re concerned about persistent pain near your Adam’s apple, talk to your doctor.

Was this helpful?

Ashley Festa is a Greenville, S.C.-based freelance writer and editor who has been writing professionally for nearly two decades. In addition to Healthgrades, she also has written for Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, the University of Texas at Arlington School of Nursing and Health Innovation, and Fit Pregnancy magazine.

Last Review Date: 2021 Jun 18

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

Page 5

Was this helpful?

  • The Adam’s apple is more formally known as the thyroid cartilage, which is in front of the voice box and grows larger during puberty. While the Adam’s apple’s purpose is next to nothing, it’s a common physical feature in men. There are some myths about Adam’s apples, such as where the name came from, so find out more surprising facts about Adam’s apples here.

  • Perhaps it should be called the Adam and Eve apple.

    That’s because women can also have an Adam’s apple. Many people think only men have Adam’s apples, but actually everyone has one because the Adam’s apple is simply the cartilage in front of the larynx, or voice box. A man’s Adam’s apple tends to grow bigger than a woman’s does, so a man’s sticks out more prominently. The Adam’s apple in women is usually not visible, but sometimes it is.

  • The name didn’t actually come from the biblical story in Genesis.

    While it seems logical that the name “Adam’s apple” comes from the story of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden (and the fruit getting stuck in Adam’s throat as a reminder of his sin), that’s not where the term originated. Going back to the early 1600s, European writers used Latin variations of the term Adam’s apple to refer to various fruits, including the pomegranate. At the same time, medieval Arabic medical writers, for some unknown reason, settled on the term “pomegranate” to refer to the protrusion of cartilage in the throat. It just so happens that the Latin terms for “apple” and “pomegranate” are very similar, so when translated into English, the Adam’s apple got its name from a pomegranate.

  • The Adam’s apple anatomy can be helpful during breathing emergencies.

    A cricothyroidotomy is the cut made in the throat to insert a tracheostomy tube for breathing. If a breathing tube cannot be inserted through the nose or mouth for some reason, the next choice is through the cricothyroid membrane, which is between the thyroid cartilage and the cricoid cartilage. The Adam’s apple, which is another name for the thyroid cartilage, helps orient the person inserting the hollow needle into the throat.

  • Plastic surgery makes Adam’s apple removal possible.

    Well, maybe not total removal, but a size reduction often makes a big difference for patients who want a less noticeable Adam’s apple. In a procedure called a chondrolaryngoplasty, or tracheal shaving, a plastic surgeon removes or reduces the size of the thyroid cartilage, usually creating a more feminine appearance. Done carefully, the surgery won’t change the sound of the person’s voice, which is a risk if the larynx and vocal cords are damaged during the procedure.

  • Adam’s apple pain could be a sign of a bigger problem.

    While it may not be the Adam’s apple itself that’s hurting, pain in your neck and throat near the Adam’s apple can potentially be a serious problem. Sore throat and pain when swallowing are two symptoms of laryngeal cancer, but this disease also comes with a lot of other symptoms, such as persistent cough, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, bad breath, and persistent ear pain.

    Pain in your neck and throat can also be a symptom of advanced thyroid cancer, but it, too, comes with other symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes and hoarseness. Before you start panicking, remember that sore throat can just be a symptom of the common cold or heartburn. If you’re concerned about persistent pain near your Adam’s apple, talk to your doctor.

Was this helpful?

Ashley Festa is a Greenville, S.C.-based freelance writer and editor who has been writing professionally for nearly two decades. In addition to Healthgrades, she also has written for Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, the University of Texas at Arlington School of Nursing and Health Innovation, and Fit Pregnancy magazine.

Last Review Date: 2021 Jun 18

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

Page 6

Was this helpful?

  • The Adam’s apple is more formally known as the thyroid cartilage, which is in front of the voice box and grows larger during puberty. While the Adam’s apple’s purpose is next to nothing, it’s a common physical feature in men. There are some myths about Adam’s apples, such as where the name came from, so find out more surprising facts about Adam’s apples here.

  • Perhaps it should be called the Adam and Eve apple.

    That’s because women can also have an Adam’s apple. Many people think only men have Adam’s apples, but actually everyone has one because the Adam’s apple is simply the cartilage in front of the larynx, or voice box. A man’s Adam’s apple tends to grow bigger than a woman’s does, so a man’s sticks out more prominently. The Adam’s apple in women is usually not visible, but sometimes it is.

  • The name didn’t actually come from the biblical story in Genesis.

    While it seems logical that the name “Adam’s apple” comes from the story of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden (and the fruit getting stuck in Adam’s throat as a reminder of his sin), that’s not where the term originated. Going back to the early 1600s, European writers used Latin variations of the term Adam’s apple to refer to various fruits, including the pomegranate. At the same time, medieval Arabic medical writers, for some unknown reason, settled on the term “pomegranate” to refer to the protrusion of cartilage in the throat. It just so happens that the Latin terms for “apple” and “pomegranate” are very similar, so when translated into English, the Adam’s apple got its name from a pomegranate.

  • The Adam’s apple anatomy can be helpful during breathing emergencies.

    A cricothyroidotomy is the cut made in the throat to insert a tracheostomy tube for breathing. If a breathing tube cannot be inserted through the nose or mouth for some reason, the next choice is through the cricothyroid membrane, which is between the thyroid cartilage and the cricoid cartilage. The Adam’s apple, which is another name for the thyroid cartilage, helps orient the person inserting the hollow needle into the throat.

  • Plastic surgery makes Adam’s apple removal possible.

    Well, maybe not total removal, but a size reduction often makes a big difference for patients who want a less noticeable Adam’s apple. In a procedure called a chondrolaryngoplasty, or tracheal shaving, a plastic surgeon removes or reduces the size of the thyroid cartilage, usually creating a more feminine appearance. Done carefully, the surgery won’t change the sound of the person’s voice, which is a risk if the larynx and vocal cords are damaged during the procedure.

  • Adam’s apple pain could be a sign of a bigger problem.

    While it may not be the Adam’s apple itself that’s hurting, pain in your neck and throat near the Adam’s apple can potentially be a serious problem. Sore throat and pain when swallowing are two symptoms of laryngeal cancer, but this disease also comes with a lot of other symptoms, such as persistent cough, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, bad breath, and persistent ear pain.

    Pain in your neck and throat can also be a symptom of advanced thyroid cancer, but it, too, comes with other symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes and hoarseness. Before you start panicking, remember that sore throat can just be a symptom of the common cold or heartburn. If you’re concerned about persistent pain near your Adam’s apple, talk to your doctor.

Was this helpful?

Ashley Festa is a Greenville, S.C.-based freelance writer and editor who has been writing professionally for nearly two decades. In addition to Healthgrades, she also has written for Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, the University of Texas at Arlington School of Nursing and Health Innovation, and Fit Pregnancy magazine.

Last Review Date: 2021 Jun 18

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

Page 7

Was this helpful?

  • The Adam’s apple is more formally known as the thyroid cartilage, which is in front of the voice box and grows larger during puberty. While the Adam’s apple’s purpose is next to nothing, it’s a common physical feature in men. There are some myths about Adam’s apples, such as where the name came from, so find out more surprising facts about Adam’s apples here.

  • Perhaps it should be called the Adam and Eve apple.

    That’s because women can also have an Adam’s apple. Many people think only men have Adam’s apples, but actually everyone has one because the Adam’s apple is simply the cartilage in front of the larynx, or voice box. A man’s Adam’s apple tends to grow bigger than a woman’s does, so a man’s sticks out more prominently. The Adam’s apple in women is usually not visible, but sometimes it is.

  • The name didn’t actually come from the biblical story in Genesis.

    While it seems logical that the name “Adam’s apple” comes from the story of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden (and the fruit getting stuck in Adam’s throat as a reminder of his sin), that’s not where the term originated. Going back to the early 1600s, European writers used Latin variations of the term Adam’s apple to refer to various fruits, including the pomegranate. At the same time, medieval Arabic medical writers, for some unknown reason, settled on the term “pomegranate” to refer to the protrusion of cartilage in the throat. It just so happens that the Latin terms for “apple” and “pomegranate” are very similar, so when translated into English, the Adam’s apple got its name from a pomegranate.

  • The Adam’s apple anatomy can be helpful during breathing emergencies.

    A cricothyroidotomy is the cut made in the throat to insert a tracheostomy tube for breathing. If a breathing tube cannot be inserted through the nose or mouth for some reason, the next choice is through the cricothyroid membrane, which is between the thyroid cartilage and the cricoid cartilage. The Adam’s apple, which is another name for the thyroid cartilage, helps orient the person inserting the hollow needle into the throat.

  • Plastic surgery makes Adam’s apple removal possible.

    Well, maybe not total removal, but a size reduction often makes a big difference for patients who want a less noticeable Adam’s apple. In a procedure called a chondrolaryngoplasty, or tracheal shaving, a plastic surgeon removes or reduces the size of the thyroid cartilage, usually creating a more feminine appearance. Done carefully, the surgery won’t change the sound of the person’s voice, which is a risk if the larynx and vocal cords are damaged during the procedure.

  • Adam’s apple pain could be a sign of a bigger problem.

    While it may not be the Adam’s apple itself that’s hurting, pain in your neck and throat near the Adam’s apple can potentially be a serious problem. Sore throat and pain when swallowing are two symptoms of laryngeal cancer, but this disease also comes with a lot of other symptoms, such as persistent cough, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, bad breath, and persistent ear pain.

    Pain in your neck and throat can also be a symptom of advanced thyroid cancer, but it, too, comes with other symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes and hoarseness. Before you start panicking, remember that sore throat can just be a symptom of the common cold or heartburn. If you’re concerned about persistent pain near your Adam’s apple, talk to your doctor.

Was this helpful?

Ashley Festa is a Greenville, S.C.-based freelance writer and editor who has been writing professionally for nearly two decades. In addition to Healthgrades, she also has written for Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, the University of Texas at Arlington School of Nursing and Health Innovation, and Fit Pregnancy magazine.

Last Review Date: 2021 Jun 18

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

Page 8

Was this helpful?

  • The Adam’s apple is more formally known as the thyroid cartilage, which is in front of the voice box and grows larger during puberty. While the Adam’s apple’s purpose is next to nothing, it’s a common physical feature in men. There are some myths about Adam’s apples, such as where the name came from, so find out more surprising facts about Adam’s apples here.

  • Perhaps it should be called the Adam and Eve apple.

    That’s because women can also have an Adam’s apple. Many people think only men have Adam’s apples, but actually everyone has one because the Adam’s apple is simply the cartilage in front of the larynx, or voice box. A man’s Adam’s apple tends to grow bigger than a woman’s does, so a man’s sticks out more prominently. The Adam’s apple in women is usually not visible, but sometimes it is.

  • The name didn’t actually come from the biblical story in Genesis.

    While it seems logical that the name “Adam’s apple” comes from the story of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden (and the fruit getting stuck in Adam’s throat as a reminder of his sin), that’s not where the term originated. Going back to the early 1600s, European writers used Latin variations of the term Adam’s apple to refer to various fruits, including the pomegranate. At the same time, medieval Arabic medical writers, for some unknown reason, settled on the term “pomegranate” to refer to the protrusion of cartilage in the throat. It just so happens that the Latin terms for “apple” and “pomegranate” are very similar, so when translated into English, the Adam’s apple got its name from a pomegranate.

  • The Adam’s apple anatomy can be helpful during breathing emergencies.

    A cricothyroidotomy is the cut made in the throat to insert a tracheostomy tube for breathing. If a breathing tube cannot be inserted through the nose or mouth for some reason, the next choice is through the cricothyroid membrane, which is between the thyroid cartilage and the cricoid cartilage. The Adam’s apple, which is another name for the thyroid cartilage, helps orient the person inserting the hollow needle into the throat.

  • Plastic surgery makes Adam’s apple removal possible.

    Well, maybe not total removal, but a size reduction often makes a big difference for patients who want a less noticeable Adam’s apple. In a procedure called a chondrolaryngoplasty, or tracheal shaving, a plastic surgeon removes or reduces the size of the thyroid cartilage, usually creating a more feminine appearance. Done carefully, the surgery won’t change the sound of the person’s voice, which is a risk if the larynx and vocal cords are damaged during the procedure.

  • Adam’s apple pain could be a sign of a bigger problem.

    While it may not be the Adam’s apple itself that’s hurting, pain in your neck and throat near the Adam’s apple can potentially be a serious problem. Sore throat and pain when swallowing are two symptoms of laryngeal cancer, but this disease also comes with a lot of other symptoms, such as persistent cough, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, bad breath, and persistent ear pain.

    Pain in your neck and throat can also be a symptom of advanced thyroid cancer, but it, too, comes with other symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes and hoarseness. Before you start panicking, remember that sore throat can just be a symptom of the common cold or heartburn. If you’re concerned about persistent pain near your Adam’s apple, talk to your doctor.

Was this helpful?

Ashley Festa is a Greenville, S.C.-based freelance writer and editor who has been writing professionally for nearly two decades. In addition to Healthgrades, she also has written for Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, the University of Texas at Arlington School of Nursing and Health Innovation, and Fit Pregnancy magazine.

Last Review Date: 2021 Jun 18

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

Page 9

Was this helpful?

  • The Adam’s apple is more formally known as the thyroid cartilage, which is in front of the voice box and grows larger during puberty. While the Adam’s apple’s purpose is next to nothing, it’s a common physical feature in men. There are some myths about Adam’s apples, such as where the name came from, so find out more surprising facts about Adam’s apples here.

  • Perhaps it should be called the Adam and Eve apple.

    That’s because women can also have an Adam’s apple. Many people think only men have Adam’s apples, but actually everyone has one because the Adam’s apple is simply the cartilage in front of the larynx, or voice box. A man’s Adam’s apple tends to grow bigger than a woman’s does, so a man’s sticks out more prominently. The Adam’s apple in women is usually not visible, but sometimes it is.

  • The name didn’t actually come from the biblical story in Genesis.

    While it seems logical that the name “Adam’s apple” comes from the story of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden (and the fruit getting stuck in Adam’s throat as a reminder of his sin), that’s not where the term originated. Going back to the early 1600s, European writers used Latin variations of the term Adam’s apple to refer to various fruits, including the pomegranate. At the same time, medieval Arabic medical writers, for some unknown reason, settled on the term “pomegranate” to refer to the protrusion of cartilage in the throat. It just so happens that the Latin terms for “apple” and “pomegranate” are very similar, so when translated into English, the Adam’s apple got its name from a pomegranate.

  • The Adam’s apple anatomy can be helpful during breathing emergencies.

    A cricothyroidotomy is the cut made in the throat to insert a tracheostomy tube for breathing. If a breathing tube cannot be inserted through the nose or mouth for some reason, the next choice is through the cricothyroid membrane, which is between the thyroid cartilage and the cricoid cartilage. The Adam’s apple, which is another name for the thyroid cartilage, helps orient the person inserting the hollow needle into the throat.

  • Plastic surgery makes Adam’s apple removal possible.

    Well, maybe not total removal, but a size reduction often makes a big difference for patients who want a less noticeable Adam’s apple. In a procedure called a chondrolaryngoplasty, or tracheal shaving, a plastic surgeon removes or reduces the size of the thyroid cartilage, usually creating a more feminine appearance. Done carefully, the surgery won’t change the sound of the person’s voice, which is a risk if the larynx and vocal cords are damaged during the procedure.

  • Adam’s apple pain could be a sign of a bigger problem.

    While it may not be the Adam’s apple itself that’s hurting, pain in your neck and throat near the Adam’s apple can potentially be a serious problem. Sore throat and pain when swallowing are two symptoms of laryngeal cancer, but this disease also comes with a lot of other symptoms, such as persistent cough, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, bad breath, and persistent ear pain.

    Pain in your neck and throat can also be a symptom of advanced thyroid cancer, but it, too, comes with other symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes and hoarseness. Before you start panicking, remember that sore throat can just be a symptom of the common cold or heartburn. If you’re concerned about persistent pain near your Adam’s apple, talk to your doctor.

Was this helpful?

Ashley Festa is a Greenville, S.C.-based freelance writer and editor who has been writing professionally for nearly two decades. In addition to Healthgrades, she also has written for Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, the University of Texas at Arlington School of Nursing and Health Innovation, and Fit Pregnancy magazine.

Last Review Date: 2021 Jun 18

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

Page 10

Was this helpful?

  • The Adam’s apple is more formally known as the thyroid cartilage, which is in front of the voice box and grows larger during puberty. While the Adam’s apple’s purpose is next to nothing, it’s a common physical feature in men. There are some myths about Adam’s apples, such as where the name came from, so find out more surprising facts about Adam’s apples here.

  • Perhaps it should be called the Adam and Eve apple.

    That’s because women can also have an Adam’s apple. Many people think only men have Adam’s apples, but actually everyone has one because the Adam’s apple is simply the cartilage in front of the larynx, or voice box. A man’s Adam’s apple tends to grow bigger than a woman’s does, so a man’s sticks out more prominently. The Adam’s apple in women is usually not visible, but sometimes it is.

  • The name didn’t actually come from the biblical story in Genesis.

    While it seems logical that the name “Adam’s apple” comes from the story of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden (and the fruit getting stuck in Adam’s throat as a reminder of his sin), that’s not where the term originated. Going back to the early 1600s, European writers used Latin variations of the term Adam’s apple to refer to various fruits, including the pomegranate. At the same time, medieval Arabic medical writers, for some unknown reason, settled on the term “pomegranate” to refer to the protrusion of cartilage in the throat. It just so happens that the Latin terms for “apple” and “pomegranate” are very similar, so when translated into English, the Adam’s apple got its name from a pomegranate.

  • The Adam’s apple anatomy can be helpful during breathing emergencies.

    A cricothyroidotomy is the cut made in the throat to insert a tracheostomy tube for breathing. If a breathing tube cannot be inserted through the nose or mouth for some reason, the next choice is through the cricothyroid membrane, which is between the thyroid cartilage and the cricoid cartilage. The Adam’s apple, which is another name for the thyroid cartilage, helps orient the person inserting the hollow needle into the throat.

  • Plastic surgery makes Adam’s apple removal possible.

    Well, maybe not total removal, but a size reduction often makes a big difference for patients who want a less noticeable Adam’s apple. In a procedure called a chondrolaryngoplasty, or tracheal shaving, a plastic surgeon removes or reduces the size of the thyroid cartilage, usually creating a more feminine appearance. Done carefully, the surgery won’t change the sound of the person’s voice, which is a risk if the larynx and vocal cords are damaged during the procedure.

  • Adam’s apple pain could be a sign of a bigger problem.

    While it may not be the Adam’s apple itself that’s hurting, pain in your neck and throat near the Adam’s apple can potentially be a serious problem. Sore throat and pain when swallowing are two symptoms of laryngeal cancer, but this disease also comes with a lot of other symptoms, such as persistent cough, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, bad breath, and persistent ear pain.

    Pain in your neck and throat can also be a symptom of advanced thyroid cancer, but it, too, comes with other symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes and hoarseness. Before you start panicking, remember that sore throat can just be a symptom of the common cold or heartburn. If you’re concerned about persistent pain near your Adam’s apple, talk to your doctor.

Was this helpful?

Ashley Festa is a Greenville, S.C.-based freelance writer and editor who has been writing professionally for nearly two decades. In addition to Healthgrades, she also has written for Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, the University of Texas at Arlington School of Nursing and Health Innovation, and Fit Pregnancy magazine.

Last Review Date: 2021 Jun 18

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

Page 11

Was this helpful?

  • The Adam’s apple is more formally known as the thyroid cartilage, which is in front of the voice box and grows larger during puberty. While the Adam’s apple’s purpose is next to nothing, it’s a common physical feature in men. There are some myths about Adam’s apples, such as where the name came from, so find out more surprising facts about Adam’s apples here.

  • Perhaps it should be called the Adam and Eve apple.

    That’s because women can also have an Adam’s apple. Many people think only men have Adam’s apples, but actually everyone has one because the Adam’s apple is simply the cartilage in front of the larynx, or voice box. A man’s Adam’s apple tends to grow bigger than a woman’s does, so a man’s sticks out more prominently. The Adam’s apple in women is usually not visible, but sometimes it is.

  • The name didn’t actually come from the biblical story in Genesis.

    While it seems logical that the name “Adam’s apple” comes from the story of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden (and the fruit getting stuck in Adam’s throat as a reminder of his sin), that’s not where the term originated. Going back to the early 1600s, European writers used Latin variations of the term Adam’s apple to refer to various fruits, including the pomegranate. At the same time, medieval Arabic medical writers, for some unknown reason, settled on the term “pomegranate” to refer to the protrusion of cartilage in the throat. It just so happens that the Latin terms for “apple” and “pomegranate” are very similar, so when translated into English, the Adam’s apple got its name from a pomegranate.

  • The Adam’s apple anatomy can be helpful during breathing emergencies.

    A cricothyroidotomy is the cut made in the throat to insert a tracheostomy tube for breathing. If a breathing tube cannot be inserted through the nose or mouth for some reason, the next choice is through the cricothyroid membrane, which is between the thyroid cartilage and the cricoid cartilage. The Adam’s apple, which is another name for the thyroid cartilage, helps orient the person inserting the hollow needle into the throat.

  • Plastic surgery makes Adam’s apple removal possible.

    Well, maybe not total removal, but a size reduction often makes a big difference for patients who want a less noticeable Adam’s apple. In a procedure called a chondrolaryngoplasty, or tracheal shaving, a plastic surgeon removes or reduces the size of the thyroid cartilage, usually creating a more feminine appearance. Done carefully, the surgery won’t change the sound of the person’s voice, which is a risk if the larynx and vocal cords are damaged during the procedure.

  • Adam’s apple pain could be a sign of a bigger problem.

    While it may not be the Adam’s apple itself that’s hurting, pain in your neck and throat near the Adam’s apple can potentially be a serious problem. Sore throat and pain when swallowing are two symptoms of laryngeal cancer, but this disease also comes with a lot of other symptoms, such as persistent cough, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, bad breath, and persistent ear pain.

    Pain in your neck and throat can also be a symptom of advanced thyroid cancer, but it, too, comes with other symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes and hoarseness. Before you start panicking, remember that sore throat can just be a symptom of the common cold or heartburn. If you’re concerned about persistent pain near your Adam’s apple, talk to your doctor.

Was this helpful?

Ashley Festa is a Greenville, S.C.-based freelance writer and editor who has been writing professionally for nearly two decades. In addition to Healthgrades, she also has written for Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, the University of Texas at Arlington School of Nursing and Health Innovation, and Fit Pregnancy magazine.

Last Review Date: 2021 Jun 18

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

Page 12

Was this helpful?

  • The Adam’s apple is more formally known as the thyroid cartilage, which is in front of the voice box and grows larger during puberty. While the Adam’s apple’s purpose is next to nothing, it’s a common physical feature in men. There are some myths about Adam’s apples, such as where the name came from, so find out more surprising facts about Adam’s apples here.

  • Perhaps it should be called the Adam and Eve apple.

    That’s because women can also have an Adam’s apple. Many people think only men have Adam’s apples, but actually everyone has one because the Adam’s apple is simply the cartilage in front of the larynx, or voice box. A man’s Adam’s apple tends to grow bigger than a woman’s does, so a man’s sticks out more prominently. The Adam’s apple in women is usually not visible, but sometimes it is.

  • The name didn’t actually come from the biblical story in Genesis.

    While it seems logical that the name “Adam’s apple” comes from the story of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden (and the fruit getting stuck in Adam’s throat as a reminder of his sin), that’s not where the term originated. Going back to the early 1600s, European writers used Latin variations of the term Adam’s apple to refer to various fruits, including the pomegranate. At the same time, medieval Arabic medical writers, for some unknown reason, settled on the term “pomegranate” to refer to the protrusion of cartilage in the throat. It just so happens that the Latin terms for “apple” and “pomegranate” are very similar, so when translated into English, the Adam’s apple got its name from a pomegranate.

  • The Adam’s apple anatomy can be helpful during breathing emergencies.

    A cricothyroidotomy is the cut made in the throat to insert a tracheostomy tube for breathing. If a breathing tube cannot be inserted through the nose or mouth for some reason, the next choice is through the cricothyroid membrane, which is between the thyroid cartilage and the cricoid cartilage. The Adam’s apple, which is another name for the thyroid cartilage, helps orient the person inserting the hollow needle into the throat.

  • Plastic surgery makes Adam’s apple removal possible.

    Well, maybe not total removal, but a size reduction often makes a big difference for patients who want a less noticeable Adam’s apple. In a procedure called a chondrolaryngoplasty, or tracheal shaving, a plastic surgeon removes or reduces the size of the thyroid cartilage, usually creating a more feminine appearance. Done carefully, the surgery won’t change the sound of the person’s voice, which is a risk if the larynx and vocal cords are damaged during the procedure.

  • Adam’s apple pain could be a sign of a bigger problem.

    While it may not be the Adam’s apple itself that’s hurting, pain in your neck and throat near the Adam’s apple can potentially be a serious problem. Sore throat and pain when swallowing are two symptoms of laryngeal cancer, but this disease also comes with a lot of other symptoms, such as persistent cough, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, bad breath, and persistent ear pain.

    Pain in your neck and throat can also be a symptom of advanced thyroid cancer, but it, too, comes with other symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes and hoarseness. Before you start panicking, remember that sore throat can just be a symptom of the common cold or heartburn. If you’re concerned about persistent pain near your Adam’s apple, talk to your doctor.

Was this helpful?

Ashley Festa is a Greenville, S.C.-based freelance writer and editor who has been writing professionally for nearly two decades. In addition to Healthgrades, she also has written for Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, the University of Texas at Arlington School of Nursing and Health Innovation, and Fit Pregnancy magazine.

Last Review Date: 2021 Jun 18

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

Page 13

Was this helpful?

  • The Adam’s apple is more formally known as the thyroid cartilage, which is in front of the voice box and grows larger during puberty. While the Adam’s apple’s purpose is next to nothing, it’s a common physical feature in men. There are some myths about Adam’s apples, such as where the name came from, so find out more surprising facts about Adam’s apples here.

  • Perhaps it should be called the Adam and Eve apple.

    That’s because women can also have an Adam’s apple. Many people think only men have Adam’s apples, but actually everyone has one because the Adam’s apple is simply the cartilage in front of the larynx, or voice box. A man’s Adam’s apple tends to grow bigger than a woman’s does, so a man’s sticks out more prominently. The Adam’s apple in women is usually not visible, but sometimes it is.

  • The name didn’t actually come from the biblical story in Genesis.

    While it seems logical that the name “Adam’s apple” comes from the story of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden (and the fruit getting stuck in Adam’s throat as a reminder of his sin), that’s not where the term originated. Going back to the early 1600s, European writers used Latin variations of the term Adam’s apple to refer to various fruits, including the pomegranate. At the same time, medieval Arabic medical writers, for some unknown reason, settled on the term “pomegranate” to refer to the protrusion of cartilage in the throat. It just so happens that the Latin terms for “apple” and “pomegranate” are very similar, so when translated into English, the Adam’s apple got its name from a pomegranate.

  • The Adam’s apple anatomy can be helpful during breathing emergencies.

    A cricothyroidotomy is the cut made in the throat to insert a tracheostomy tube for breathing. If a breathing tube cannot be inserted through the nose or mouth for some reason, the next choice is through the cricothyroid membrane, which is between the thyroid cartilage and the cricoid cartilage. The Adam’s apple, which is another name for the thyroid cartilage, helps orient the person inserting the hollow needle into the throat.

  • Plastic surgery makes Adam’s apple removal possible.

    Well, maybe not total removal, but a size reduction often makes a big difference for patients who want a less noticeable Adam’s apple. In a procedure called a chondrolaryngoplasty, or tracheal shaving, a plastic surgeon removes or reduces the size of the thyroid cartilage, usually creating a more feminine appearance. Done carefully, the surgery won’t change the sound of the person’s voice, which is a risk if the larynx and vocal cords are damaged during the procedure.

  • Adam’s apple pain could be a sign of a bigger problem.

    While it may not be the Adam’s apple itself that’s hurting, pain in your neck and throat near the Adam’s apple can potentially be a serious problem. Sore throat and pain when swallowing are two symptoms of laryngeal cancer, but this disease also comes with a lot of other symptoms, such as persistent cough, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, bad breath, and persistent ear pain.

    Pain in your neck and throat can also be a symptom of advanced thyroid cancer, but it, too, comes with other symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes and hoarseness. Before you start panicking, remember that sore throat can just be a symptom of the common cold or heartburn. If you’re concerned about persistent pain near your Adam’s apple, talk to your doctor.

Was this helpful?

Ashley Festa is a Greenville, S.C.-based freelance writer and editor who has been writing professionally for nearly two decades. In addition to Healthgrades, she also has written for Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, the University of Texas at Arlington School of Nursing and Health Innovation, and Fit Pregnancy magazine.

Last Review Date: 2021 Jun 18

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

Page 14

Was this helpful?

  • The Adam’s apple is more formally known as the thyroid cartilage, which is in front of the voice box and grows larger during puberty. While the Adam’s apple’s purpose is next to nothing, it’s a common physical feature in men. There are some myths about Adam’s apples, such as where the name came from, so find out more surprising facts about Adam’s apples here.

  • Perhaps it should be called the Adam and Eve apple.

    That’s because women can also have an Adam’s apple. Many people think only men have Adam’s apples, but actually everyone has one because the Adam’s apple is simply the cartilage in front of the larynx, or voice box. A man’s Adam’s apple tends to grow bigger than a woman’s does, so a man’s sticks out more prominently. The Adam’s apple in women is usually not visible, but sometimes it is.

  • The name didn’t actually come from the biblical story in Genesis.

    While it seems logical that the name “Adam’s apple” comes from the story of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden (and the fruit getting stuck in Adam’s throat as a reminder of his sin), that’s not where the term originated. Going back to the early 1600s, European writers used Latin variations of the term Adam’s apple to refer to various fruits, including the pomegranate. At the same time, medieval Arabic medical writers, for some unknown reason, settled on the term “pomegranate” to refer to the protrusion of cartilage in the throat. It just so happens that the Latin terms for “apple” and “pomegranate” are very similar, so when translated into English, the Adam’s apple got its name from a pomegranate.

  • The Adam’s apple anatomy can be helpful during breathing emergencies.

    A cricothyroidotomy is the cut made in the throat to insert a tracheostomy tube for breathing. If a breathing tube cannot be inserted through the nose or mouth for some reason, the next choice is through the cricothyroid membrane, which is between the thyroid cartilage and the cricoid cartilage. The Adam’s apple, which is another name for the thyroid cartilage, helps orient the person inserting the hollow needle into the throat.

  • Plastic surgery makes Adam’s apple removal possible.

    Well, maybe not total removal, but a size reduction often makes a big difference for patients who want a less noticeable Adam’s apple. In a procedure called a chondrolaryngoplasty, or tracheal shaving, a plastic surgeon removes or reduces the size of the thyroid cartilage, usually creating a more feminine appearance. Done carefully, the surgery won’t change the sound of the person’s voice, which is a risk if the larynx and vocal cords are damaged during the procedure.

  • Adam’s apple pain could be a sign of a bigger problem.

    While it may not be the Adam’s apple itself that’s hurting, pain in your neck and throat near the Adam’s apple can potentially be a serious problem. Sore throat and pain when swallowing are two symptoms of laryngeal cancer, but this disease also comes with a lot of other symptoms, such as persistent cough, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, bad breath, and persistent ear pain.

    Pain in your neck and throat can also be a symptom of advanced thyroid cancer, but it, too, comes with other symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes and hoarseness. Before you start panicking, remember that sore throat can just be a symptom of the common cold or heartburn. If you’re concerned about persistent pain near your Adam’s apple, talk to your doctor.

Was this helpful?

Ashley Festa is a Greenville, S.C.-based freelance writer and editor who has been writing professionally for nearly two decades. In addition to Healthgrades, she also has written for Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, the University of Texas at Arlington School of Nursing and Health Innovation, and Fit Pregnancy magazine.

Last Review Date: 2021 Jun 18

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

Page 15

Was this helpful?

  • The Adam’s apple is more formally known as the thyroid cartilage, which is in front of the voice box and grows larger during puberty. While the Adam’s apple’s purpose is next to nothing, it’s a common physical feature in men. There are some myths about Adam’s apples, such as where the name came from, so find out more surprising facts about Adam’s apples here.

  • Perhaps it should be called the Adam and Eve apple.

    That’s because women can also have an Adam’s apple. Many people think only men have Adam’s apples, but actually everyone has one because the Adam’s apple is simply the cartilage in front of the larynx, or voice box. A man’s Adam’s apple tends to grow bigger than a woman’s does, so a man’s sticks out more prominently. The Adam’s apple in women is usually not visible, but sometimes it is.

  • The name didn’t actually come from the biblical story in Genesis.

    While it seems logical that the name “Adam’s apple” comes from the story of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden (and the fruit getting stuck in Adam’s throat as a reminder of his sin), that’s not where the term originated. Going back to the early 1600s, European writers used Latin variations of the term Adam’s apple to refer to various fruits, including the pomegranate. At the same time, medieval Arabic medical writers, for some unknown reason, settled on the term “pomegranate” to refer to the protrusion of cartilage in the throat. It just so happens that the Latin terms for “apple” and “pomegranate” are very similar, so when translated into English, the Adam’s apple got its name from a pomegranate.

  • The Adam’s apple anatomy can be helpful during breathing emergencies.

    A cricothyroidotomy is the cut made in the throat to insert a tracheostomy tube for breathing. If a breathing tube cannot be inserted through the nose or mouth for some reason, the next choice is through the cricothyroid membrane, which is between the thyroid cartilage and the cricoid cartilage. The Adam’s apple, which is another name for the thyroid cartilage, helps orient the person inserting the hollow needle into the throat.

  • Plastic surgery makes Adam’s apple removal possible.

    Well, maybe not total removal, but a size reduction often makes a big difference for patients who want a less noticeable Adam’s apple. In a procedure called a chondrolaryngoplasty, or tracheal shaving, a plastic surgeon removes or reduces the size of the thyroid cartilage, usually creating a more feminine appearance. Done carefully, the surgery won’t change the sound of the person’s voice, which is a risk if the larynx and vocal cords are damaged during the procedure.

  • Adam’s apple pain could be a sign of a bigger problem.

    While it may not be the Adam’s apple itself that’s hurting, pain in your neck and throat near the Adam’s apple can potentially be a serious problem. Sore throat and pain when swallowing are two symptoms of laryngeal cancer, but this disease also comes with a lot of other symptoms, such as persistent cough, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, bad breath, and persistent ear pain.

    Pain in your neck and throat can also be a symptom of advanced thyroid cancer, but it, too, comes with other symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes and hoarseness. Before you start panicking, remember that sore throat can just be a symptom of the common cold or heartburn. If you’re concerned about persistent pain near your Adam’s apple, talk to your doctor.

Was this helpful?

Ashley Festa is a Greenville, S.C.-based freelance writer and editor who has been writing professionally for nearly two decades. In addition to Healthgrades, she also has written for Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, the University of Texas at Arlington School of Nursing and Health Innovation, and Fit Pregnancy magazine.

Last Review Date: 2021 Jun 18

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

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