6. Hoarseness: The Uncommon Symptom You Can’t Ignore
Hoarseness might not ring immediate alarm bells. A raspy voice can be attributed to various innocent factors like screaming at a concert or having a sore throat. However, when it’s related to adenocarcinoma of the lung, the hoarseness lingers and becomes an uninvited guest in your life.
So, why does your voice suddenly sound like a gravel road? When adenocarcinoma tumors develop near the laryngeal nerve, which controls your voice box, they can cause irritation or pressure that changes the sound of your voice. Your vocal cords are like finely tuned instruments, and the tumor throws them out of harmony.
Now, here’s a quirk: The hoarseness might come and go at first. You may find that your voice returns to normal at times, lulling you into a false sense of security. It’s as though the cancer is playing a mind game with you, making it challenging to decide if it’s serious or not.
What’s more, this symptom may interfere with your social life and self-esteem. Imagine constantly having to explain your raspy voice or worse, avoiding conversations entirely. It’s not just an annoyance; it’s a barrier that affects how you interact with the world around you.(6)
