Voice Analysis May Help Detect Throat Cancer

Researchers have discovered voice patterns that could identify vocal fold lesions, including laryngeal cancer. The study examined 176 participants from five North American medical centers who read the “Rainbow Passage.” Scientists measured voice clarity using harmonic-to-noise ratio (HNR) and other acoustic features. Results showed clear differences between healthy voices and those with benign vocal fold growths, particularly in men. “One of the first symptoms presented by patients with glottic organic lesions is dysphonia,” researchers noted. The technology could serve as a screening tool, especially for rural areas lacking specialized voice clinics. However, only 23 people with vocal fold lesions participated, and results weren’t significant for women. “While a definitive diagnosis still requires visualization, a validated AI-based voice screening tool could serve as a triage mechanism,” the team stated. (Story URL)