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Jo in NC #201203 01-31-2022 11:37 AM
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Hello
I had base of tongue cancer eleven years ago and had a partial neck dissection plus six weeks radiotherapy. Luckily everything went well and I’m still here.
Over the last three weeks I have noticed I have become a little hoarse and tonight my voice is very hoarse. No other symptoms at all. Am just worried it may have come back in my larynx. Has anyone heard of this? I am also a teacher using my voice a lot plus winter is always harsh on vocal chords. Am probably over reacting but think the GP might be my next call.
Thanks for any help/ advice x


Sarah b
Wba94 #201205 01-31-2022 09:51 PM
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Many patients experience voice changes and hoarseness and it is not necessarily a sign of a recurrence. Radiation damage to the larynx happens often years out from treatments, as well as swallowing issues and other nerve damage related problems. They often first manifest as hoarseness.

Also, a base of tongue cancer which was likely caused by HPV is not often the cause of laryngeal cancers, certainly not this far out.

My vote would be to see an ENT that has a practice focused on head and neck cancers. They might most likely be a surgeon, and less the kind of ENT that sees lots of non cancer ailments and children. You will want one that is capable of passing a small scope down your nose, which is quick and painless (if weird feeling ) to have a close up look at your larynx and surrounding area. That will be a more thorough exam than you would get at a GP doctors office.

All of us a survivors seem to be waiting for the other shoe to drop. Hoping you find this is something transient and not serious. Please come back when you’ve had you exam to let us know how it went. B

Last edited by Brian Hill; 01-31-2022 09:54 PM.

Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.
Wba94 #201220 02-10-2022 12:59 PM
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Hi Sarha,
My husband finished Head and Neck Cancer Treatment 8 Years ago and 2 years ago finished almost the same treatment for Small Cell Carcinoma in his Trachea (A Weird One for sure). His voice has gotten really horse and he sounds terrible. The ENT thinks he is using his False Vocal Cords and that he should see a Speech Therapist. My Husband doesn't want to peruse another Dr. There is always peace of mind after you see the ENT and He scopes the throat and says nothing to see here! Hope you get answers Stay Healthy!


Husband diagnosed 2/13 lower lip scc in situ 2 surgeries never scanned. 8 months later diagnosed soft palate scc stage 4A, tonsil and nodes involved. Hpv positive. Told by ENT small t1 tumor brought in to surgery for tumor removal and neck disection. Aborded surgery. Stage 4!! Finished rads and chemo Jan 2014. Grade 4 ORN of the maxilla, 30 HBOT , sinus surgery , maxilla surgery, buccal flap 4/2015. Doing good. 9-2015 red patch on soft palate , waiting to see.
1 member likes this: Brian Hill
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