IT turns out that voice hoarseness isn't just an annoying cold and flu symptom, or the result of a screaming match - it could indicate a serious health threat.
MeiLan Han, Professor of pulmonary care at the University of Michigan, has warned the public to take the throat problem seriously, as it is a lesser-known symptom of throat cancer.
"This is due to the cancer impinging on or invading the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which travels down into the chest cavity, under the arch of the aorta and back to the larynx [the voice box]," Han wrote in her book, Breathing Lessons: A Doctor's Guide to Lung Health.
The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation echoed Han's warnings about the symptom, and advised people who experience longer episodes of hoarseness to see their GP.
The experts emphasised that spotting early signs is crucial, so next time your voice sounds scratchy, don't just shrug it off.
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