In laryngeal neoplasms, what is the most common presenting symptom?

• A. Chronic coughing without voice changes.
• B. Hoarseness for more than three weeks.
• C. Weight gain with no respiratory symptoms.
• D. Painful swallowing with high fever.

Answer: (B)

Persistent hoarseness is the most common presenting symptom of laryngeal cancer because tumors on or near the vocal cords disrupt normal vibration and voice production. When hoarseness lasts longer than about two to three weeks, especially in someone with risk factors like smoking or heavy alcohol use, it raises concern for a neoplastic process and warrants prompt evaluation. Other symptoms listed are less typical initially: chronic cough without voice changes suggests a different airway or lung issue, weight gain with no respiratory symptoms doesn’t fit a laryngeal tumor, and painful swallowing with fever points more toward infection or inflammation rather than cancer.