Side Effect: Voice Changes (dysphonia)

What are Voice Changes?

Voice changes, also known as dysphonia, refer to alterations in:

• voice quality
• voice pitch
• voice loudness
• voice resonance

Any of these changes in voice can affect a person's ability to speak or sing.

What do Voice Changes sound like?

Voice changes can manifest in various ways depending upon the underlying cause.

Some common symptoms include:

• hoarseness
• breathiness
• a weak or strained voice
• a deeper or higher pitch than normal
• a gravelly or rough quality

In some cases, patients may also experience pain or discomfort when speaking, or difficulty swallowing or coughing.

Who gets Voice Changes (dysphonia)?

Voice changes can occur from either a tumor invading into areas that are required to produce speech, or from cancer treatment.

Patients with cancers that involve the thyroid, lung, esophagus, oral cavity, or head and neck may be at an increased risk.

How to prevent Voice Changes (dysphonia)

• Preventing voice changes can be challenging, as they often result from the direct impact of the tumor on the vocal cords or nearby structures.
• To help reduce the risk or severity of voice changes it can help to quit smoking, avoid alcohol consumption, and to stay hydrated.
• It can also help to practice good vocal hygiene such as avoiding yelling, whispering, or excessive talking.

How to treat Voice Changes (dysphonia)

Treating voice changes typically involves a combination of medical and behavioral interventions, depending on the underlying cause and severity of the symptoms.

Some common treatments include:

• speech therapy
• voice exercises
• medication (such as corticosteroids or pain relievers)
• surgery