One ailment that you can hear when speaking 'could be sign of deadliest cancer'

02 March 2024 , 07:00

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Hoarseness can be a sign you are suffering from a deadly cancer (Image: Getty Images)

A persistent croaky voice or ongoing hoarseness could be a sign that you have one of the deadliest by death rate cancers and you should immediately see a doctor.

Hoarseness is a less-known symptom of lung cancer. It is often caused by an irritation or injury to the vocal cords. In most instances, the problem will go away on its own after a short period. If you are experiencing hoarseness, you will spot a difference in your voice. It may sound raspy, husky, strained, breathy, weak, inconsistent or tired.

You may also notice you are speaking in a higher or lower pitch than normal. This often makes it difficult to talk. There are many different causes for hoarseness, including swelling of the voice box. This is often caused by a respiratory tract infection, acid reflux. This is where stomach acid or enzymes irritate the throat, a build-up of soft tissue on the vocal cords which is often related to smoking, paralysed vocal cords which can come from an infection or a benign or malignant tumour.

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If your voice changes for a lengthy period then you should get it checked by a doctor (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Doctor Andrew Nish, John Stoddard Cancer Centre Medical Director, said: "Cigarette smoke is by far the highest cause of lung cancer in the US, but exposure to other environmental factors could also increase your risk. Radon gas, which is naturally occurring in the soil and can collect in indoor spaces, is the second leading cause of lung cancer, accounting for an estimated 21,000 deaths per year. Secondhand smoke, asbestos, radiation, air pollution and diesel exhaust are other contributing factors."

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We have no sense of pain inside our lungs, so it can be difficult to spot changes until they affect our breathing or start to affect other parts of our chest or body, including our voices. Some of the symptoms of Covid-19 and lung cancer can be very similar. That’s why it’s important to spot the differences so any lung cancer diagnosis can be made as early as possible and not mistaken for Covid-19.

Lung & Bronchus cancer killed 67,160 males or 21 percent of male cancer deaths in the US last year, making it by far the most deadly. It is also by far the biggest cancer killer of females, with 59,910 deaths, and is again 21 percent of cancer deaths in the country.

A hoarse voice, persistent cough, sputum (saliva mixed with mucus) streaked with blood, chest pain, worsening shortness of breath and recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis are all signs there is a possibility cancer is present, but having a persistently hoarse voice is fairly noticeable. Dr Nish added: "These signs and symptoms of lung cancer don’t usually appear until the cancer is more advanced. Early detection is very important, so talk to your doctor about screenings available to you."

Paul Donald