An estimated 50 000 patients in the UK are referred annually to ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist services with hoarseness of voice. Dysphonia describes any alteration to the voice, with hoarseness referring to a deeper and slightly harsher quality to the sound. Any change in the voice can indicate a number of different pathologies both within the larynx and beyond. Many causes will be benign but malignancy should always be considered. This article summarizes the management of patients presenting with hoarseness in primary care.
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