Symptom 2: Persistent Hoarseness and Voice Changes
Medullary Thyroid Cancer, especially as it progresses, can impact the nerves associated with vocal cord function. This can lead to changes in your voice, such as persistent hoarseness or a voice that easily cracks. This symptom often creeps up slowly, making it less noticeable in the early stages. However, if you or those around you start noticing these changes, it’s important to seek medical advice.
While hoarseness or voice changes can occur due to various reasons, ranging from common conditions like laryngitis or a simple cold to habits like excessive shouting or singing, when these changes persist or progressively worsen, they may signal a more serious underlying condition such as MTC.
Changes in your voice occur because the thyroid gland is located close to the voice box (larynx). A growing tumor might exert pressure on the larynx, leading to vocal changes. In some cases, this pressure could also affect the nerves controlling the vocal cords, causing voice-related symptoms.
It’s important to keep in mind that not everyone with MTC will experience voice changes. This symptom often depends on the size and location of the tumor. (2)
