The Voice Change An Oncologist Says Could Mean Cancer

You might recognise rapid weight loss, lumps, and extreme fatigue as symptoms of cancer. 

But speaking to HuffPost UK, Dr Jiri Kubes, radiation oncologist and medical director at the Proton Therapy Centre, said: “Some head and neck cancers can cause changes to speech as a symptom, for example, the voice being hoarse or croaky.” 

Here, we spoke to Dr Kubes about the sign your voice change could mean cancer. 

Sudden voice changes lasting more than three weeks might be worth investigating

“If your voice suddenly changes and this hasn’t cleared up within three weeks, then always consult your doctor,” the oncologist said. 

He added that sometimes, this might be nothing to worry about – common causes include tonsillitis and various other relatively harmless viruses and infections.

“But in some cases it can indicate something more sinister,” he continued. 

“The important thing to remember is the length of the symptom. If you have changes that are persistent and cause you concern then always speak to your GP”. 

For their part, the NHS said to see your GP if “you have a sore throat and symptoms like a lump in your mouth or neck, or a mouth ulcer that lasts for more than three weeks”.

What are other signs of head and neck cancers? 

Other possible red flag signs, Dr Kubes continued, include:

MacMillan Cancer Support said on its site that other signs can include nosebleeds, pain behind the nose or in the upper teeth, swelling in front of or behind your ear, a blocked nose on one side that doesn’t clear, bad breath for no clear reason, lumps in the neck, and unexpectedly losing weight.

Luckily, the oncologist said, “When found early, many head and neck cancers can be treated more successfully”. 

That’s why it’s so important to get checked as soon as you notice any signs.