Change In Voice - Is It Due To Cancer?

Most of the time, we do not pay attention to our voices on a daily basis. We take our ability to shout, talk, laugh, and whisper for granted. It is only when we observe a temporary, self-limiting voice, that we start listening to our own voice tone. Our voices say a lot about our health – frequent fluctuations in tone signifies a number of ailments, but sometimes, it can indicate a more critical problem.

For instance, hoarseness that persists for more than 3 weeks could be a sign of laryngeal cancer.

Laryngeal Cancer - How does it alter your voice?

As the name suggests, laryngeal cancer is a form of throat cancer that typically affects the larynx. The larynx is referred to as the ‘voice box’ because it consists of the muscles and cartilages that enable you to speak.
In the initial stages of laryngeal cancer, tumours present within the throat causes alteration in the voice. This is because an irregularity in the throat affects the vibrations of the vocal cords and eventually leads the voice to become hoarse.

How to be sure if it is cancer?

Hoarseness is not solely associated with cancer of the voice box. A number of other ailments or conditions can also lead to a hoarse voice.

• Laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx)- occurs due to a common cold, chest infection, overusing of voice – screaming, yelling or shouting.
• Acid reflux- when leaked stomach acid travels back to the oesophagus and irritates the larynx.

Therefore, you need to look out for signs beyond the usual. If you have developed laryngeal cancer, then you are likely to notice the following symptoms as well-

• A lump in the throat
• Bad breath
• An earache that refuses to go away
• Unintentional weight loss
• Difficulty swallowing

Laryngeal cancer or cancer of the voice box is not as familiar to people in general as other forms of cancer. Yet, it is not a rare disease.

It is best to consult a doctor – an ENT specialist – and get yourself thoroughly checked before drawing a conclusion. The doctor will perform tests to determine what exactly has led to the change in voice and prescribe treatment as required.