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Patients & Visitors

Endocrine Surgery

Vocal cord checks

A thyroid cancer may invade the nerves supplying the vocal cords (voice-box) causing a hoarse voice. Trauma to the nerve may also occur (usually temporarily) as a consequence of thyroid surgery. Permanent damage (vocal cord palsy) is rare. Vocal cord function is routinely tested in the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) department both before and after surgery

If you voice has been affected you may be referred to a speech therapist via the ENT department.

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