VOLUME 1 , ISSUE 1 ( September-December, 2009 ) > List of Articles
Dorin T Colibaseanu, Jon A van Heerden, David R Farley, Stephen D Cassivi
Citation Information : Colibaseanu DT, Heerden JA, Farley DR, Cassivi SD. Primary Intrathoracic Goiter. World J Endoc Surg 2009; 1 (1):43-46.
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10002-1010
Published Online: 01-08-2012
Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2009; The Author(s).
The differential diagnosis of a middle mediastinal mass is fairly broad. Though relatively rare, the diagnosis of primary intrathoracic goiter is a clinically important consideration that should not be overlooked. The nature of this clinical entity and its diagnostic implications are discussed. Relevant radiographic imaging is evaluated demonstrating the key findings. Indications for intervening and treatment options are reviewed. Specifically, the presence of a growing substernal goiter in an otherwise fit patient is generally an indication for surgical resection. The nature of a primary intrathoracic goiter usually obviates the more common transcervical approach since by definition the mediastinal goiter is discontinuous with the cervical thyroid gland. Other transthoracic approaches are therefore necessary.