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Hoarse voice for 14 months (and other symptoms) hope I'm not alone
Incredibly worried that this could be something like laryngeal cancer at this point so I'm hoping others have had similar issues as me.
Seemingly out of nowhere 14 months ago, my voice became hoarse. On top of that, I am constantly clearing my throat of phlegm and have daily. Not a single day has gone by without my voice being hoarse, clearing my throat a lot, or a semi sore throat.
I saw an ENT twice and I've been out on multiple ppis, a nasal spray, and allergy medication with zero help.
Maybe once or twice a month, I cough or hock up sticky phlegm or regular phlegm but with a small scab like part to it. There's a very long thread on these forums you may be familiar with for that particular symptom.
I have another appointment set up with an ENT, but it's weeks out and will be even longer before I can get a possible scan or test. I'm so upset I didn't push for a CT scan back in December when I saw the ent last.
I tried to not be anxious for once and just pretend it was nothing and now I'm just worried this was the one time I should have pushed for the test.
And obviously I did the bad thing and found someone who said they had the exact symptoms I do and it turned out to be cancer so I'm fully having a health anxiety flare up.
The difference for once is that something IS wrong. 14 months can't be nothing, especially since it has been constant.
Thanks in advance for reading and taking the time to respond.
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@celia16 The CT scan could be a diagnostic tool to simply rule out a lung related issue when symptoms have included excessive mucus, nasal congestion, drainage issues, possibly hoarse voice, sinus issues and a cough. Sounds like you are feeling well though ( you’re not fatigued, not dealing with infections ) except for the more upper respiratory symptoms you mention. Post nasal drip can be frustrating. Perhaps you already use a nasal spray prescribed by your doctor. They can help alleviate symptoms.
I have no medical training, so the advice is simply not to let symptoms linger too long without a diagnosis. A CT scan might be an option, especially if you have more infections and a lingering cough.
All the best.
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1 ReactionI understand. It is frustrating. Eventually, I hope I can get a diagnosis and treatment.
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1 ReactionPlease get your throat checked immediately. An MRI is best so they can see below where they normally scope. Don’t put it off.
I found this page by googling, I am so glad I did. Do you have an update??
I deal with this everytime I get sick.. currently I'm on week 3 of no voice. Last time this happened was 3 years ago and I went 5 months with a hoarse voice. I have googled soooooo many times about the sticky scab like phlem that I cough up and haven't been able to find anyone that has experienced that aswell. I find when I cough up the "scab stuff" my voice comes back a bit but still hoarse. I work as a bartender so I'm always having to talk, it's extremely frustrating. I just don't know what to do anymore
@pugmom1336
Similar symptoms prompted an ENT appointment. I was “scoped” with camera looking at throat/larengeal area revealing a growth;subsequent biopsy revealed cancer which was successfully treated early 2024. Not to scare you but scoping could be first step. Good luck