3. An Unseen Struggle – Hoarseness and Voice Changes
The third symptom on our list, hoarseness or changes in voice, often catches people off-guard. It’s a symptom not typically associated with a condition related to the throat. As the thyroid gland is positioned close to the voice box, or larynx, any abnormal growth can affect the voice, making it sound hoarse or different from usual.
Imagine waking up one day to find your voice altered, with no signs of a cold or a sore throat. Singing your favorite song feels different, and even everyday conversations become a struggle. Your voice is an integral part of your identity, and any alterations can be disconcerting, to say the least.
Hoarseness due to PTC is usually persistent and progressive. Unlike laryngitis or a common cold, which may cause temporary hoarseness, PTC-related hoarseness doesn’t improve over time. In fact, it may even worsen as the disease progresses, adding to the overall distress.
While hoarseness or voice changes can occur due to several other conditions, including vocal cord nodules or aging, their onset in conjunction with other symptoms such as a neck lump or difficulty swallowing should raise an alarm. Therefore, if you notice persistent hoarseness, don’t just ‘clear your throat’ and move on. It might be your body trying to alert you to the presence of PTC. (3)
