Persistent Changes in the Voice

While thyroid nodules are normally benign, long-term changes in the patient's voice might suggest that the nodule is cancerous. The thyroid gland is located beneath the larynx, popularly known as the "voice box". The laryngeal nerves are linked to the base of the larynx after splitting off from the vagus nerves. They control the function of the larynx by transmitting electrical impulses across it.

Thyroid tumors can impose strain on the larynx or the laryngeal nerve. That pressure will eventually induce vocal alterations, such as persistent hoarseness. As a result, a patient who gets a raspy voice that does not improve should have their thyroid tested for abnormal growths.