Basic and Clinical Sciences (BCSE) Practice Exam

What could hoarseness indicate in a smoker?

1. Improved vocal strength

2. Laryngeal or lung cancer

3. Allergies

4. Common cold

The correct answer is: Laryngeal or lung cancer

Hoarseness in a smoker can indeed be a significant indicator of underlying health issues, particularly laryngeal or lung cancer. Smoker's voices may become hoarse due to the irritation and damage caused by tobacco smoke to the vocal cords and surrounding tissues. This irritation can lead to chronic laryngitis, which can evolve into more serious conditions, including malignancies in the larynx or lungs. Regular exposure to carcinogens in cigarette smoke raises the risk of developing these types of cancers, making it crucial to investigate the cause of persistent hoarseness in smokers. Other options, while possible causes of transient hoarseness, do not adequately address the specific risk factors associated with a smoking history. Improved vocal strength is not typically associated with smoking, as smoking generally harms vocal quality. Allergies may cause hoarseness due to post-nasal drip or inflammation, but would not be a primary concern for smokers compared to cancer risk. Similarly, a common cold could lead to temporary hoarseness, but the chronic nature of hoarseness in long-term smokers should prompt concern for potentially severe conditions like cancer rather than benign causes.