What causes hoarseness?

What causes hoarseness?

Jason Hamilton (Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon) gives expert video advice on: Why should I be concerned if I am hoarse?; Can I treat a sore throat myself or should I see a doctor? and more...

It's just not normal to be hoarse. Typically, anyone who's hoarse for more than two weeks, there's usually something wrong with their vocal cords, meaning they'll have nodules, they could have papillomas or warts that involve the vocal cords, or there could be a cancer there. The other reason for hoarseness could be that one of the cords is paralyzed, and the paralysis can come anywhere from the brain, from the chest, from the neck, or the vocal cord itself. Typically, any paralysis of the vocal cord or hoarseness, until proven otherwise, means you have a tumor.