Symptom 3: Voice Changes – Listen Closely
Thyroid cancer has a peculiar habit of showing up in ways you might not expect. One such way is changes to your voice. We’re not talking about the slight hoarseness you experience after cheering at a concert or the throaty voice you have when catching a cold. We’re talking about significant, unexplained changes in your voice that persist.
The thyroid gland is located close to the voice box or larynx. If cancer recurs in the thyroid, it can lead to pressure on the larynx and, consequently, voice changes. These changes might manifest as hoarseness, a change in vocal pitch, or a decrease in the volume of your voice.
Voice changes due to thyroid cancer recurrence are not something to dismiss as a minor inconvenience. If you notice persistent changes to your voice, it’s vital to bring it up with your healthcare provider.
While it can feel a bit unsettling to realize that such a commonplace occurrence as a change in voice could indicate something so significant, it’s crucial to remember that this is just one potential sign. It doesn’t automatically mean cancer has recurred, but it’s a sign that shouldn’t be ignored. (3)
