Hoarseness can result from a persistent cough, but there is another reason why this is a significant warning sign for lung cancer. The major nerve that controls the larynx splints into a left and right branch with the left side passing through the chest, close to the left lung. Lung tumors can press on this nerve as they grow, impairing their ability to function and leading to recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, which presents as hoarseness.

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