Symptom 2: Voice Changes: The Unheard Clue
Just as a finely tuned musical instrument gives out a harmonious melody, our vocal cords, when in good health, assist us in communicating clearly and effectively. Changes in the voice, especially persistent hoarseness, could signify something is amiss, acting as an unheard clue to a potential health concern like throat cancer.
When the cells of the voice box, also known as the larynx, undergo abnormal changes resulting in cancer, they interfere with its functionality. This interference often manifests as alterations in voice quality, pitch, volume, or even voice loss, medically termed as dysphonia.
Given the larynx’s critical role in speech, any persistent voice changes could signal laryngeal cancer, a form of throat cancer. This could range from mild hoarseness to severe voice alterations, often mistaken for laryngitis or an after-effect of excessive voice usage.
However, the crucial difference lies in persistence. While voice changes owing to laryngitis or overuse are temporary, those due to throat cancer do not improve over time. Persistent hoarseness or voice changes lasting two weeks or more necessitate a comprehensive medical evaluation. (2)
