3. Changes in the Voice: An Ominous Transformation
It is common to experience voice changes when you have a cold, laryngitis, or even after an intense karaoke session. However, an unusual, persistent change in voice, especially in the absence of any evident cause, should not be taken lightly. Such changes might manifest as hoarseness, a change in voice pitch, or even voice loss.
In the context of thyroid cancer, the voice change is typically an insidious process. It’s not abrupt or dramatic but a subtle change that slowly becomes more noticeable.
You might find your voice becoming hoarse or rough. You might even notice a decrease in your vocal volume, making it harder for you to speak loudly or for extended periods. Alternatively, there may be changes in the tone or pitch of your voice.
The reason behind these voice changes lies in the anatomy of our neck. The thyroid gland lies close to the larynx, also known as the voice box. This box houses our vocal cords, which are integral to our ability to speak.
As a thyroid tumor grows, it can press against or even invade the nerves controlling the vocal cords. When this happens, it can lead to vocal cord paralysis, causing the vocal changes associated with thyroid cancer.
This nerve, known as the recurrent laryngeal nerve, plays a significant role in voice production. Thus, its impairment can drastically affect the voice, leading to the symptoms mentioned earlier. (3)
