The voice is one of the main communication tools and an important indicator of health. Persistent changes, especially hoarseness, may be the first sign of laryngeal problems, including cancer.

With the aim of increasing awareness on the topic, the Brazilian Academy of Laryngology and Voice (ABLV), of the Brazilian Association of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervico-Facial Surgery (ABORL-CCF), is carrying out the 28th National Voice Campaign 2026, with the theme “Your Voice Deserves to be Seen to be Heard” in celebration of World Voice Day, on April 16th.

According to the National Cancer Institute (INCA), Brazil is expected to register around 8,510 new cases of laryngeal cancer per year between 2026 and 2028. This is one of the tumors most common in the head and neck region, with a higher incidence in men over 40 years of age. Despite this, many diagnoses still occur in advanced stages, which directly impacts the chances of treatment and preservation of the voice and other functions of the larynx.

Hoarseness is the main warning sign

Laryngeal cancer develops, in most cases, in the vocal folds. When it is restricted to this region and in the early stages, the chances of treatment are much more favorable. The first symptom Noticeable is usually hoarseness. This happens because any injury to the vocal folds, whether benign or malignant, interferes with the perfect vocal production mechanism. During vibration of the vocal folds, a lesion generates a noisy sound, perceived as hoarseness.

“The voice usually gives important signs when something is not going well. Hoarseness that persists for more than two weeks, for example, should never be considered normal. When the diagnosis is made early, especially in early tumors of the larynx, the treatment allows very high chances of cure, preserving all the functions of the larynx, including the voice. Thus, the patient maintains an excellent quality of life”, explains Luciana Miwa Watanabe, otorhinolaryngologist and president of ABLV.

Dangers of laryngeal cancer progression

When not investigated, the tumor can evolve. “The tumor can grow and affect the functions of the larynx. Furthermore, treatment for a cure needs to be more aggressive. In more advanced cases, there may be shortness of breath, as the lesion can block the passage of air into the larynx”, warns the specialist.
In addition to hoarseness, other symptoms may appear with disease progressionsuch as pain when speaking, difficulty swallowing, frequent choking and the presence of lumps in the neck.

Other signs that may indicate the disease

Some symptoms may seem simple or temporary, but when they become frequent or persist for more than a few days, they may indicate changes. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to signs involving the voice, throat and breathing, such as:

• Persistent hoarseness;
• Frequent throat clearing;
• Pain when speaking;
• Difficulty swallowing;
• Frequent choking;
• Shortness of breathe;
• Lumps on the neck;
• Changes in voice for more than 15 days.

Risk factors for laryngeal cancer

O smoking It is the main risk factor for laryngeal cancer and can increase the likelihood of developing the disease by up to 10 times. Excessive alcohol consumption further increases this risk. Exposure to substances such as asbestos and strong acid mists is also associated with tumor development. “A recent concern is the consumption of electronic cigarettes, vaping among young people, as they contain toxic substances that can directly affect the entire respiratory tract”, warns Luciana Miwa Watanabe.

Early diagnosis increases the chances of cure

The otorhinolaryngologist plays a central role in the assessment of vocal changes. It is this specialist who carries out the clinical assessment and can recommend fundamental tests, such as videolaryngoscopy. “Video laryngoscopy allows us to visualize, in real time, the larynx and vocal folds. With this exam, we are able to identify early changes, often even before a lesion becomes malignant, which is essential for effective treatment”, highlights Luciana Miwa Watanabe.

O exam uses a microcamera to evaluate not only the structure, but also the functioning of the larynx during speech. This makes it possible to diagnose inflammation, benign lesions, such as nodules and polyps, and even early signs of cancer.

“Laryngeal cancer, in most cases, begins in the epithelium, the most superficial layer of the vocal folds, and can spread both in extension, across the surface, and in depth, reaching more internal structures of the larynx”, explains the specialist.

In addition to diagnosis, video laryngoscopy also helps to define the most appropriate treatment and monitor the patient’s progress.

Awareness saves voices and lives

The National Voice Campaign reinforces the importance of listening to the body’s signals and seeking medical evaluation in the face of persistent symptoms. Taking care of your voice is taking care of your health, and early diagnosis can make all the difference in treatment and quality of life.

By Andressa Marques