Do you suffer from constant hoarseness? Don’t underestimate this, it could be the first sign of cancer

Hoarseness, although often underestimated, can be a symptom of many diseases, sometimes really serious ones. Sometimes caused by diseases of the larynx - it appears suddenly and usually disappears within two weeks. Croup (subglottic laryngitis) can also be the cause. Diseases of the larynx often accompany people who, by virtue of their profession, abuse their voice - we are talking, for example, about teachers or singers. It can also be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease or exposure to tobacco smoke. They are also associated with episodic voice abuse. However, hoarseness can also be a sign of cancer, so it should not be underestimated.

Hoarseness as the first symptom of laryngeal cancer

Often hoarse one of the first symptoms of laryngeal cancer, which accounts for 2 percent of all malignancies but is the most common head and neck cancer. Usually localized on the vocal cords (60-75% of tumors) and above the vocal cords (25-40% of cases). Much less often, it is located below the vocal cords (this occurs in less than 5 percent of cases). Symptoms depend on the location of the cancer and its stage. Other symptoms of laryngeal cancer include::

• swallowing disorders,

• pain when swallowing

• frequent expectoration,

• voice change,

• dyspnea

• cough,

• Ear ache.

What are the risk factors for laryngeal cancer?

The most common risk factors for laryngeal cancer include: tobacco smoking – it is he who increases the risk of developing this cancer up to 30 times. Among people diagnosed with laryngeal cancer, 98 percent are smokers (mostly those who smoke 20 or more cigarettes a day). This disease is very rare in non-smokers. This could also be the reason frequent drinking. In turn, the combination of both of these factors makes you even more vulnerable to illness.
Other reasons include:

• environmental exposure: passive smokers, environmental pollution,

• gastroesophageal and laryngopharyngeal reflux,

• viral infections: HPV, HSV and HIV,

• prolonged (professional) exposure to irritating chemicals: adhesives, paints, solvents, dust, heavy metals, acid fumes.

When is hoarseness a cause for concern?

If hoarseness appears suddenly and is accompanied by symptoms of infection such as fever, dry cough, malaise, this should not be a cause for concern. Then only drugs to stop infections are required, as well as limiting factors that irritate the vocal cords (for example, tobacco smoke, alcohol, and dust). However, hoarseness, not associated with a chronic cold or flu, requires the consultation of an ENT doctor. It’s also a wake up call when it lasts more than two weeks (especially in smokers) and is associated with pain during speech and voice disturbances that last more than a few days. Anxious symptoms are also tumors in the neck.

Then it is necessary to immediately establish the cause of the disease. This is extremely important because if laryngeal cancer is detected early, it can be treated with surgery or radiation therapy. Then about 85-90 percent of cures occur. If the cancer is in an advanced stage, surgery is not always possible - then chemoradiotherapy is used. The prognosis for laryngeal cancer depends, among other things, on its stage, the presence of metastases, concomitant diseases and the general condition of the patient.

Prevention of cancer of the larynx

Prevention of laryngeal cancer is extremely important. Therefore, exposure to factors that can lead to this disease, such as inhaling toxic substances or smoking cigarettes, should be avoided. People who use their voice in their professional activities are advised to learn how to speak in such a way that their vocal cords are less strained. It’s also important to avoid smoky places, limit your alcohol intake, and treat any conditions that can cause laryngeal cancer. Any hoarseness lasting more than two weeks should warrant a visit to the doctor.