5. Hoarseness Or Voice Changes
Anytime there is a problem or infection that affects the throat, you can expect voice changes. Some people who have throat cancer experience hoarseness long before they notice any other symptoms. They may be confused about the cause and assume they are getting sick. Many people feel fine in the early stages of throat cancer, and the hoarseness or changes in the voice are the only things they notice. As cancer becomes more severe there may be more changes.
In some cases, the person may lose their voice entirely. Cancer treatments can make changes or hoarseness worse. Even when a person has recovered from cancer, they may still not regain their normal voice. Their voices may be permanently changed, or they may remain permanently hoarse. Some people are able to sip warm liquids to help with the hoarseness. The hoarseness and changes are not always permanent, and the symptom may improve with time.