Symptom 3. Hoarseness: The Voice of a Hidden Enemy
Another significant symptom of stage 3 thyroid cancer is hoarseness or a change in the voice. It is a result of the tumor impinging on the laryngeal nerves, which are responsible for controlling the vocal cords.
To comprehend why hoarseness occurs, it’s crucial to understand the anatomy of the region. The thyroid gland is nestled in the neck, adjacent to the larynx (voice box), which houses the vocal cords. As the tumor in the thyroid gland enlarges, it starts compressing the nearby structures, including the laryngeal nerves.
This pressure on the laryngeal nerves interferes with their functioning, leading to the vocal cords’ erratic movement. This irregular movement manifests as a change in the voice, primarily hoarseness.
In the initial phase, this symptom might be dismissed as a minor throat infection or a consequence of overstraining the voice. However, persistent hoarseness without a plausible explanation, like a cold or excessive shouting, should be considered seriously as it might be echoing the presence of a more sinister ailment. (3)
