A giant posterior mediastinal goiter

Abstract

Goiter is defined as abnormal (either nodular or diffuse) growth of the thyroid gland. The normal thyroid gland is located in neck, caudal to larynx in anterolateral portion of the trachea. Intrathoracic goiter, defined as growth of more than 50% of the thyroid gland below the thoracic operculum, mostly located in anterior mediastinum and is seen in only 8%–15% of all goiters. Posterior mediastinal goiters (PMGs) are rare and accounts for only 2% of intrathoracic goiters. Patients usually present with a cervical mass and local pressure symptoms due to tracheal, esophageal, or superior vena cava compression. The diagnosis is established by chest X-ray, computed tomography scan, and fine-needle aspiration cytology. A combined cervicothoracic approach is the procedure of choice as it provides easy access, better visualization, and optimal control of blood vessels. We, hereby, describe a case of giant PMG, which was managed successfully at our center.

Keywords

• cervicothoracic incision
• intrathoracic goiter
• posterior mediastinal goiter
• retrosternal goiter