In this article
- Voice change lasting over three weeks should be examined
- Painful swallowing, ear pain or a neck lump may occur
- Earlier diagnosis broadens treatment options
Assessment and treatment
- Flexible laryngoscopy
- Biopsy and imaging of suspicious disease
- Stage-based surgery, radiotherapy and/or systemic treatment
At a glance
Definition: Persistent hoarseness is a common early sign of voice-box cancer; tobacco and alcohol are major risk factors.
Key takeaways
- Voice change lasting over three weeks should be examined
- Painful swallowing, ear pain or a neck lump may occur
- Earlier diagnosis broadens treatment options
Clinical steps
- Flexible laryngoscopy
- Biopsy and imaging of suspicious disease
- Stage-based surgery, radiotherapy and/or systemic treatment
Red flags: Breathing difficulty, noisy breathing, coughing blood or a rapidly growing neck lump needs urgent assessment.
Quick FAQ: When should I see an ENT specialist?
Breathing difficulty, noisy breathing, coughing blood or a rapidly growing neck lump needs urgent assessment.
How I assess this in clinic
I first clarify duration, severity, whether symptoms are one-sided or bilateral, and their effect on daily life. I then perform a focused ENT examination and compare the findings with voice change lasting over three weeks should be examined.
Endoscopy or audiometry is not required for everyone. I advise endoscopy when the nose, sinus, throat or voice box needs direct assessment, and audiometry/tympanometry when hearing or middle-ear function is in question.
A common misconception is that every ENT problem needs an antibiotic or an operation. Treatment should instead follow the diagnosis, functional impact, examination findings and evidence-based indications.
Do not wait when: Breathing difficulty, noisy breathing, coughing blood or a rapidly growing neck lump needs urgent assessment.
For patient education; not a substitute for individual diagnosis or treatment.