If hoarseness has been present for 3 weeks then get it checked immediately, it could be a dangerous disease.

Voice Box Cancer Symptoms : It is a common thing to lose your voice after cheering loudly in a cricket match, having cold or cold or speaking continuously for the whole day. In most cases the voice returns to normal on its own within a few days. But if the voice sits for three weeks or more and does not get better, it may be a big mistake to take it lightly.

Can also be an early sign of cancer

A persistent change or hoarseness in the voice lasting more than three weeks is not simply the result of a throat infection or excessive talking. Sometimes it can also be an early sign of cancer of the larynx or voice box. Therefore, in such a situation, it is very important to get checked by a doctor on time.

Why does the voice change?

Our voice is produced with the help of two very delicate vocal cords present inside the larynx. If there is any kind of obstruction or problem in their functioning, the quality of the voice changes. There can be many reasons behind this like viral infection, acid reflux, allergy, continuous speaking for a long time, smoking or non-cancerous lumps (nodules or polyps) forming on the vocal cords. The matter of relief is that most of these problems are treatable.

Do not ignore the initial symptoms

However, if the voice remains constant, it should not be ignored as the first and sometimes the only symptom of early cancer of the larynx is a change in the voice. In the initial stages, there is often no pain, no difficulty in swallowing, and no lump is visible in the neck. In such a situation, the disease may be detected late due to wasting time waiting for other symptoms.

Which people are at greater risk?

People who smoke or consume alcohol regularly have a significantly higher risk of laryngeal cancer. Additionally, increased air pollution and prolonged exposure to certain industrial chemicals may also increase the risk. However, it is important to understand that even non-smokers can develop serious voice disorders. Therefore, persistent hoarseness should not be ignored simply because it is not a risk factor.

Better results with timely treatment

The good thing is that if laryngeal cancer is detected early, it is one of the most successfully treated cancers. Early treatment can often preserve both the patient’s voice and the ability to swallow normally. In many cases, laser-based minimally invasive surgery or targeted radiotherapy provides excellent results and a higher chance of cure. Timely diagnosis not only saves lives, but can also avoid the need for major surgery and long rehabilitation.

Don’t ignore these symptoms at all?

If your voice remains hoarse for more than three weeks, especially if you are above 40 years of age, smoke or consume alcohol, or are accompanied by symptoms such as trouble swallowing, cough with blood, persistent throat pain, hoarseness when breathing, or swelling or lump in the neck, consult an ENT (nose, ear and throat) specialist or head and neck cancer specialist without delay.

Easy and painless test

In such a situation, the test is usually simple and painless. The doctor examines the vocal cords within a few minutes by inserting a thin and flexible camera through the nose. This procedure is called laryngoscopy. Through this, the cause of the problem is often immediately known and it also becomes clear whether any additional investigation is required or not.

Sound is also an important warning signal of the body

Voice is not only a medium of communication, but it is also an important part of our identity, emotions and personality. If your voice sounds strained after sitting for a long period of time, it may be an important warning signal from your body. Don’t ignore this sign.

Always remember one simple thing—if hoarseness persists for more than three weeks, get checked by a doctor. The problem may be common, but if it is an early sign of a serious disease, timely detection can save not only your voice but also your life.

Input By : : Dr. Akshat Malik, Senior Consultant, Head and Neck Oncology, Apollo Hospital, Delhi

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