[Diagnosis of intrathoracic goiter]

The various aspects of the diagnosis of intrathoracic goitre are examined. Clinical, blood chemistry and radiological and radioisotope data are required before a firm decision can be made. Detailed recognition of goitre type and assessment of the site and extent of the intramediastinal portion, together with determination of the existence of intra- and extraparenchymal inflammation or degeneration or other signs of disease, are an essential differential overture to the choice of a surgical approach route (cervical, cervical-mediastinal with median sternotomy, transthoracic) and the appraisal of prognosis. In the absence of malignant degeneration, prognosis is good in all cases, since this type of goitre can be completely and finally eradicated.