Symptom

Hoarse voice

Irritation of the voice box (larynx) or vocal cords can cause changes in your voice.

There are many causes of hoarse voice including:

  • Laryngitis – swelling of the vocal cords
  • Voice overuse - straining or speaking for long periods
  • Cold or flu
  • Lesions on your vocal cords – cysts or polyps
  • Gastro-oesophageal Reflux
  • Smoking
  • Allergies
  • Thyroid problems
  • Laryngeal cancer

If you experience hoarse voice for longer than 3 weeks you should visit your GP. In some cases you may be referred to a specialist consultant.

Our experienced ENT consultants diagnose and treat hoarse voice in a hospital near you.

Related conditions

Head and neck cancer

Head and neck cancers is a term which is used to collectively include many different types of malignant tumours that can occur in or around the throat, larynx, nose, sinuses, and mouth.

Laryngeal cancer

Laryngeal cancer, or cancer of the larynx, is an uncommon type of cancer that develops inside the tissue of the larynx (voice box). This disease is one of a group known as head and neck cancers.

Laryngitis

Inflammation of your larynx (voice box) is called laryngitis.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in England and Wales.* The most frequent cause of lung cancer is smoking.

Oral cancer

Oral cancer, also called mouth cancer, is cancer of the mouth, lips or upper throat.

Quinsy

Quinsy is an uncommon side effect of tonsillitis. It occurs when an abscess (infected area) forms between the wall of your throat and a tonsil.

Silent Reflux (or Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease)

Silent reflux is a condition where acid from your stomach passes up into the larynx (voice box) and throat. Common symtoms include chronic throat clearing, gravelly voice and the sensation of a lump in the throat.

Thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer occurs when the genetic material of cells in the gland become damaged or changed, producing mutations that affect normal cell growth and division. The abnormal cells then replicate, causing cancer.

Vocal cord polyps

Vocal cord polyps are soft growths that appear on your vocal cords.