MANAGEMENT TO SUBSTERNAL GOITER

YÖK, Dicle Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi KBB, Diyarbakır, Türkiye Substernal goiter is defined as extention of the thyroid gland in to the mediastinum. However, there is lack of consensus regarding the exact definition of a substernal goiter. It can be classified as primary and secondary. Primary substernal goiters, which represent about 1% of all substernal goiters, arise from ectopic thyroid tissue located in the mediastinum. Secondary substernal goiters arise from downward extension of cervical thyroid gland. In the setting of compressive symptoms, hyperthyroidism, malignancy, or even prophylaxis total thyroidectomy is indicated for it. Substernal goiters, with rare exceptions, can be resected through a cervical incision. If the thyroid gland extends below the aortic arch and the lateral diameter of the goiter is greater than 10 cm or if no progress is made even after carrying out all of cervical thyroidectomy procedures, a sternotomy and mediastinal approach is required. Every head and neck surgeon should be familiar with the management to substernal goiter. This review study aims to present management methods to substernal goiters. Keywords : Substernal, goiter, plonjuan, retrosternal