Symptom 3. Voice Changes: The Unusual Effect on Vocal Cords
From expressing our feelings to asserting our ideas, our voice plays a vital role in our daily interactions. In differentiated thyroid cancer, patients often report an unexplained change in voice. This might manifest as hoarseness, a weakened voice, or even a total loss of voice.
Our vocal cords, located in the larynx or voice box, vibrate to produce voice sounds. The thyroid gland, situated just below the larynx, can affect these delicate structures as it harbors a growing cancer. A tumor can apply pressure on the nerves controlling the vocal cords, leading to alterations in voice.
What makes this symptom noteworthy is its insidious onset. Voice changes in differentiated thyroid cancer do not happen overnight. The progression is gradual, sometimes over weeks or months, causing patients to unintentionally adjust to the changes. This gradual change can make it challenging to recognize the symptom early on.
The changes in voice can vary greatly among patients. While some report a deepening of the voice, others note a whisper-like quality. Singers or individuals who use their voice professionally might notice these changes earlier than others. Unfortunately, the voice alteration can persist even after treatment in some cases, emphasizing the long-term implications of this symptom.
Voice changes, therefore, emerge as a silent yet significant symptom of differentiated thyroid cancer. It serves as a stark reminder that our voice, often taken for granted, can be affected by this insidious disease, making early recognition and treatment all the more crucial. (3)
