Why should I be concerned if I am hoarse?

Why should I be concerned if I am hoarse?

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...

Hoarseness is caused in a change in the vibrations of the vocal cords themselves. The vocal cords are usually symmetric in their vibration, and anything that causes swelling, inflammation, or obstruction of the vocal cords themselves can cause hoarseness. The worry that all laryngologists have is that your hoarseness may be caused by something like a tumor. Typically if it's picked up early, it's easily treated, usually with 99 percent cure rates for cancer. If the hoarseness is left unchecked, typically patients may lose their entire voice box over the hoarseness. So it should be evaluated earlier than later, and the diagnosis is usually made with a quick exam that's very painless.