Symptom 3. Hoarseness or Changes in Voice: The Overlooked Clue
The human voice is a delicate and complex mechanism that can be affected by many factors. However, when one experiences persistent hoarseness or changes in their voice, it may signify an issue with the throat or surrounding areas, such as the thyroid gland.
Typically, hoarseness involves a change in the pitch or volume of the voice. The voice may sound weak, very breathy, scratchy, or husky. In the context of PSCCT, this symptom arises due to the tumor’s impact on the larynx or voice box. The recurrent laryngeal nerve, which runs right beside the thyroid gland and controls vocal cord movement, can be affected by an enlarged thyroid or tumor, leading to voice changes.
In a report by the European Journal of Surgical Oncology, voice changes were identified as a prevalent symptom in patients diagnosed with thyroid carcinoma, including PSCCT. The article highlighted that voice changes or hoarseness, especially in patients with known thyroid nodules, should not be overlooked and must be evaluated to rule out malignancies. (3)
