Does voice box cancer cause hoarse voice?

The larynx, or voice box, contains the vocal cords. Clear speech depends on these folds meeting and vibrating smoothly. A growth on or near them can alter that vibration, making the voice rough, breathy, weak or deeper. Hoarseness may be accompanied by throat discomfort, pain when swallowing, a persistent cough or a feeling of something in the throat.

Most hoarse voices are caused by problems other than cancer, such as a viral illness, voice overuse, reflux or irritation. The duration and associated symptoms help a clinician decide whether the larynx needs examination.

Arrange an appointment for hoarseness that does not settle, especially if you smoke or have other throat symptoms. A clinician may look at the vocal cords with a small flexible camera and may arrange further tests if an abnormal area is seen. Rest your voice, drink fluids and avoid smoking or second-hand smoke while waiting for advice.

Seek prompt medical review for persistent hoarseness, swallowing difficulty, a neck lump, coughing blood, unexplained weight loss or ear pain on one side. Seek emergency help if breathing becomes difficult, noisy or rapidly worse, or if you cannot swallow saliva.

How long should this voice change be observed? Do my symptoms require a vocal-cord examination? Could reflux, infection or voice strain explain it? What warning signs should make me seek urgent help?