Final answer:
The variation in the course of the recurrent laryngeal nerves due to left and right anatomical differences is important as it can indicate a space occupying lesion like lung cancer. Symptoms such as vocal cord paralysis suggest further investigation, with chest radiograph and spirometry as potential diagnostic tools.
Step-by-step explanation:
The course of the recurrent laryngeal nerve on the left and right is significant as a change in its path or function can be indicative of a space occupying lesion, such as lung cancer. The left recurrent laryngeal nerve loops under the aorta and ascends in the tracheoesophageal groove, while the right recurrent laryngeal nerve loops under the right subclavian artery. A lesion at the hilum or mediating structures like enlarged lymph nodes due to lung cancer could compress or displace these nerves, potentially causing changes such as vocal cord paralysis or hoarseness, which can be a clinical warning sign of the underlying condition.
If a patient presents with such symptoms, further investigation is warranted which could include imaging studies like a chest radiograph to detect any masses, opacities, or a disrupted path of the recurrent laryngeal nerves. Additional tests such as spirometry can help diagnose restrictive lung diseases by analyzing the rate at which air can be expelled from the lungs. Treatment for such conditions would depend on the underlying cause and may include surgical, medical, or radiological interventions.