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Updated: May 22, 2026

Minimal Invasive Resection of Large Retrosternal Thyroid Goiter
Published on: September 20, 2024
Localized advanced hürthle cell carcinoma with symptomatic intrathoracic goiter
Kabir Ahmed1, Darren Swartz, Deepu Daniel
1Division of Trauma Services, Memorial Regional Hospital, 3501 Johnson Street, Hollywood, FL 33021, USA.
Abstract:
INTRATHORACIC GOITERS ARE DIVIDED INTO TWO CATEGORIES: primary and secondary. Intrathoracic goiters (IG) can cause upper airway obstruction. The presence of obstructive symptoms secondary to increased thyroid growth and tracheal compression is major indication for surgery; however, goiters do not always require immediate surgical attention. In addition, although some diagnostic tests indicate upper airway obstruction, many patients remain asymptomatic. Surgeries to remove IG are performed routinely however, they are not without risk. In some cases, intrathoracic goiters present as thyroid cancers. Very rare cancers such as Hürthle cell carcinoma (HCC) can create a challenge for the surgeon when surgical intervention is vital.
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