THE early signs of cancer could be detected by listening to a patient’s voice, scientists say.
Using AI, subtle changes in the acoustics of a person’s voice helped pick up lesions in people diagnosed with voice box cancer.
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Researchers believe AI could be trained to hear these changes within a “couple of years”.
There are around 2,000 new cases of voice box (laryngeal) cancer in the UK each year.
A hoarse voice for more than three weeks can be a key symptom, and should be investigated by a GP.
Using AI for diagnosis could spell the end of uncomfortable tests currently used, such as a biopsy or nasendoscopy, in which a thin tube with a video camera is passed through the nose down the back of the throat.
The American team, part of the ‘Bridge2AI-Voice’ project, gathered voice recordings of 300 patients, some of whom had voice box cancer.
They studied at least six features of voice acoustics: the mean fundamental frequency (pitch); jitter, variation in pitch within speech; shimmer, variation of the amplitude; and the harmonic-to-noise ratio.
There were “marked” differences between men with and without cancer or a voice box disorder, such as nodules or polyps, specifically the harmonic-to-noise ratio, according to the findings published in the journal Frontiers in Digital Health.
It’s possible the same will be found for women with a larger dataset.
One of the study’s authors, Dr Phillip Jenkins, of Oregon Health & Science University, said: “To move from this study to an AI tool that recognises vocal fold lesions, we would train models using an even larger dataset of voice recordings, labelled by professionals.
“We then need to test the system to make sure it works equally well for women and men.
“Voice-based health tools are already being piloted.
“I estimate that with larger datasets and clinical validation, similar tools to detect vocal fold lesions might enter pilot testing in the next couple of years.”
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The symptoms of voice box cancer
Cancer Research UK have said there are four key symptoms of laryngeal cancer to look out for:
1. Hoarseness or a change in your voice
If you have a hoarse voice for more than 3 weeks, it could be a sign of laryngeal cancer, says Cancer Research UK.
It’s worth seeing a doctor for a full check up and diagnosis, as inflammation of the larynx can also be caused by a cold, a chest infection and overuse of the voice, like singing.
2. Pain or difficulty swallowing
If you’re experiencing pain or having difficulty swallowing, it might be an indicator something is wrong.
Visit your GP if for three weeks or more, you feel:
- that there is something small stuck in your throat
- you are struggling to swallow food
- some pain or a burning sensation when swallowing food
- that your food is sticking in your throat
3. Shortness of breath
Experiencing shortness of breath is a symptom that should trigger an urgent response.
Call 999 if you suddenly experience shortness of breath or are struggling to breathe.
Some people may also find they have a cough that doesn’t go away, they find it difficult to breath or when they inhale it’s become noisy (stridor).
4. Weight loss
Sudden or dramatic weight loss is a key sign of cancer, including laryngeal.
Usually it will happen alongside other symptoms and the body’s way of communicating that there is a problem.
It may also happen because you’re eating less due to pain or because you’re having difficulty swallowing.
You should see your doctor if you have lost 4 to 5 kg (10lbs) or more in a short time.
Are YOU at risk of voice box cancer?
In the UK, there are more than 2,000 new cases of laryngeal cancer each year.
The NHS says it is more common in people over the age of 60, and men.
It’s not clear exactly what causes laryngeal cancer, but your risk of getting the condition is increased by:
- smoking tobacco
- regularly drinking large amounts of alcohol
- having family members (such as a parent, brother, sister or child) who have had laryngeal cancer
- having an unhealthy diet low in fruit and vegetables
- exposure to certain chemicals and substances, such as asbestos and coal dust
You can significantly reduce your chances of developing laryngeal cancer by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Source: NHS
