KEY POINTS

  • Cancer symptoms can come in various forms, with some of them easily mistaken for less serious conditions
  • A hoarse voice for three weeks can be a symptom of one type of cancer
  • This cancer is one that affects the voice box

Cancer may be one of the most feared diseases in the world, considering that it can take a life regardless of age, sex, or even region where one resides. Many health experts would always recommend patients to see a medical practitioner right away the moment that they detect any of the cancer symptoms. You may not know it, but a change in your voice may signal the existence of the deadly disease.

According to an Express report, more often than not, the symptoms of cancer are overlooked since they are often linked to less serious conditions. This leaves the patient suffering from the disease without getting any treatment. Worse, as the days pass, the condition becomes more serious, and eventually, treatment can get harder.

Voice Changes

One of the symptoms of one type of cancer that you need to be aware of is a change in your voice. If you notice that your voice has become hoarse and it lasted for three weeks or more, then it is time to see your general practitioner.

hoarse voice laryngeal cancer
hoarse voice laryngeal cancer LUM3N - Pixabay

Cancer Research UK explained that having a hoarse voice for three weeks could be a symptom of laryngeal cancer. This is cancer that affects the voice box or the larynx.

As per NHS, the larynx helps you to breathe and speak. It can be found at the entrance of the trachea or the windpipe.

Although Cancer Research UK says that when you have a hoarse voice, it’s also possible that it is caused by less serious ailments. This condition can also be caused by acute laryngitis, which is the inflammation of the larynx. This is often a result of a chest infection, cold, overusing the voice like screaming or shouting.

Main Symptoms of Laryngeal Cancer

Among the main symptoms of laryngeal cancer include difficulty when swallowing, experiencing pain when swallowing, swelling in the neck, persistent earache or sore throat, and, in the worst case, difficulty breathing.

Some of the ways that you can implement to help lessen your risk of suffering from laryngeal cancer would include adopting a healthy lifestyle. You should avoid smoking, and you must also avoid excessive alcohol consumption. It must be within the recommended guidelines per Express, which is not more than 14 units in a week.