Cough or Hoarseness (5/13)

A cough lasting more than 3 weeks or a persistent change in voice. This can be a sign of lung cancer, throat cancer, or thyroid cancer. The cough may be dry or produce blood or rust-colored sputum. Hoarseness can result from a tumor pressing on the vocal cords.

Treatment:

• Diagnostic procedures (chest X-ray, CT scan, laryngoscopy)
• Treat underlying cause (cancer or non-cancer)
• Voice rest and hydration for hoarseness
• Speech therapy techniques
• Medications to manage cough (antitussives, expectorants)
• Surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy if cancer-related
• Smoking cessation support if applicable