Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: June 27, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Lost Voice Not Returning After 2 Weeks

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Acute Laryngitis: This is the most common cause of a lost voice, often resulting from a viral infection. The fact that the voice has not returned after 2 weeks could indicate a prolonged or severe case, but it's still within the realm of a common, self-limiting condition.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Vocal Cord Lesions (e.g., nodules, polyps): Prolonged voice misuse or overuse can lead to the development of lesions on the vocal cords, which can cause persistent hoarseness or loss of voice.
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Stomach acid reflux can irritate the vocal cords, leading to chronic inflammation and voice changes.
  • Allergies: Seasonal or environmental allergies can cause postnasal drip, leading to throat irritation and voice changes.
  • Hypothyroidism: This condition can cause vocal cord swelling and hoarseness.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Laryngeal Cancer: Although less common, laryngeal cancer can present with persistent hoarseness or voice change. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis: This can result from nerve damage due to surgery, trauma, or tumors affecting the nerves controlling the vocal cords.
  • Thyroid Cancer: Similar to laryngeal cancer, thyroid cancer can cause voice changes due to compression or invasion of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Relapsing Polychondritis: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation of the cartilages, including those in the larynx, leading to voice changes.
  • Sarcoidosis: A condition that can cause granulomas in various parts of the body, including the larynx, potentially affecting the voice.
  • Amyloidosis: The deposition of amyloid proteins in the larynx can cause voice changes, though this is exceedingly rare.
  • Neurological Disorders (e.g., Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis): Certain neurological conditions can affect the nerves controlling the vocal cords, leading to voice changes.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.