Symptom 6: Hoarseness or Voice Changes
Voice changes, especially hoarseness, might seem benign at first. Maybe it’s just the result of a cold, shouting too much at a sports game, or even seasonal allergies. But when this symptom persists or is accompanied by others like coughing or chest pain, it’s essential to consider more serious underlying causes. Mesothelioma, being a malignancy affecting the lungs and surrounding tissues, can result in persistent hoarseness, a symptom that shouldn’t be brushed off.
The primary reason for voice alterations in mesothelioma patients lies in the tumor’s location and growth. As the malignancy develops, it can impinge upon or even infiltrate structures involved in voice production, notably the laryngeal nerves. These nerves play a pivotal role in controlling the vocal cords. When disrupted, this can lead to noticeable voice changes, including a raspy or breathy tone.
Apart from the evident hoarseness, patients might also experience other voice-related symptoms. This can range from difficulty in projecting their voice to pain or a burning sensation when speaking. Such manifestations, while primarily linked to the laryngeal nerve’s impairment, can also arise from other complications like infections, which are relatively common in mesothelioma patients due to compromised immunity. (6)
