Question

Jenny is a 19 year old high school student who is undergoing a voice evaluation. Jenny complains of a gradual onset of a hoarse vocal quality and also stated that her voice is "harder to produce" (requires more effort). Jenny is a cheerleader and sings in the school choir. Jenny also often babysits for her two younger brothers and must raise her voice to hold their attention. Which pathological process of the vocal folds has developed or is likely to develop?

Answer 1

Based on the information provided, it is likely that Jenny has developed a form of benign vocal fold lesion, specifically a vocal nodule. Vocal nodules are benign growths that occur on both vocal folds and are caused by prolonged or excessive vocal use, such as yelling, screaming, or singing. The symptoms described such as gradual onset of hoarseness and increased effort to produce sound are commonly seen in individuals with vocal nodules. The fact that Jenny is a cheerleader and sings in the school choir, and also often raises her voice to hold her brothers attention all of which are known to cause strain on the vocal cords and can lead to the development of vocal nodules.