Sulcus

Sulcus vocalis is a voice disorder that causes perpetual hoarseness, vocal weakness and voice fatigue. The condition results from a thinning or loss of a layer of tissue along the vocal cord (vocal fold) called the superficial lamina propria.

This layer of tissue normally vibrates during the production of sound. When it diminishes or disappears, a linear indentation called a sulcus is formed along the affected vocal cord and the patient has difficulty speaking. The raspy voice quality produced may ebb and flow, but will be ongoing without treatment.