The larynx is responsible for controlling the opening and closing of the vocal cords, allowing us to produce speech and helping to prevent foreign objects such as water or food from entering the trachea, thus preventing choking during eating. It also serves as a passageway for air during breathing.

What kind of hoarseness is considered abnormal?

“Hoarseness” can be caused by many factors. People can experience hoarseness from overusing their voice, shouting, or having bronchitis. Usually, the voice will gradually return to normal within 2-3 days. However, if hoarseness persists for more than 2 weeks, you should see a doctor to find the cause. Professions that use their voice a lot, such as teachers, singers, actors, and hosts, are at higher risk of developing laryngeal diseases than the general population. These include cysts, laryngeal swelling, or “laryngeal tumors”. If further aggravated by risk factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, or exposure to secondhand smoke, symptoms may worsen and lead to laryngeal cancer.

Causes of laryngeal tumors

Laryngeal tumors can arise from various causes, but the most common is infection with the papilloma virus. Children infected with this virus in the womb may be born with hoarseness and difficulty breathing due to growths in the trachea or larynx. Symptoms can be severe and recurrent because children have weaker immune systems. They may need to have tumors removed multiple times a year. In adults, papilloma virus infection is often linked to frequent changes in sexual partners or oral sex, leading to tumors in the larynx.

Laryngeal tumors can be cured by surgery

Just hearing the word “tumor” can be frightening, but it is important to understand that tumors are not malignant or cancerous. They can be cured by simply removing the tumor through endoscopic or laser surgery. However, if the tumor becomes cancerous, treatment will vary depending on the stage of the disease. Early-stage cancer can be treated by surgery or radiation alone, but advanced cancer may require surgery combined with radiation or chemotherapy.

If the laryngeal tumor is caused by a virus, there is a chance of recurrence even after surgery. Usually, it takes about 2 years for the disease to be completely cured. Prevention includes maintaining good health to boost the immune system to fight the virus and using medication to slow down recurrence.

Take good care of yourself to prevent tumor recurrence

After tumor removal, you should rest your voice for at least 3-7 days. If the wound is large, recovery may take longer. Strictly follow your doctor’s advice, such as avoiding smoking and reducing voice use to lower the risk of tumor recurrence. Excessive voice use may cause the surgical wound to scar. If scarring occurs, your voice may become hoarse, or in severe cases, the vocal cords may lose their ability to close properly, causing easy choking and weak voice. If there is no scarring from surgery, your voice will be clear and resonant as before.

Don't be complacent... Hoarseness can also be a cause of serious diseases.

Don’t be careless… Hoarseness can be a cause of serious diseases

What kind of hoarseness is considered abnormal?

Causes of laryngeal tumors

Laryngeal tumors can be cured by surgery

Take good care of yourself to prevent tumor recurrence