Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

Hoarseness refers to abnormal vocal alterations. Pathologic alterations brought on by irritants and inflammatory processes, neuromuscular and mental problems, systemic disorders, and neoplasms are some of the causes of hoarseness. Present study was aimed to study epidemiology on hoarseness of voice among patients at a tertiary hospital. Present study was single-center, prospective, observational study, conducted in cases visiting ENT OPD with hoarseness of voice or change in voice, willing to participate in present study. Among 123 patients majority were from 56 -65 years age group, were males (64.2%), from rural area (71.5%), from low Socio economic status (66.7%), had mixed diet (63.4%) & had addictions (61%). 18 (14.6%) pts had voice abuse history & 22 (17.9%) patients with voice change also had chief complaint of Dysphagia. 27 (22%) pts had hoarseness of voice for <1 month, 94 (76.4%) pts had Hoarseness of voice for < 1 month- 1year, 2 (1.6%) pts had Hoarseness of voice for > 1 year. 94 (76.4%) had no co-morbidities. Biopsy was not required in 93 (75.6%) patients. Inflammatory polyp seen in HPE of 6 (4.9%) cases and SCC was seen in 24 (19.5%) cases. Carcinoma larynx was most common diagnosis, includes carcinoma supraglottis (10.56%), carcinoma glottis (5.69%) & carcinoma hypopharynx (5.69%). Hoarseness of voice is seen in all patients with wide range of diagnoses from simple laryngitis to malignancy. Hoarseness should therefore not be disregarded, and a full examination, inquiry, and appropriate history should be taken.