Acute symptoms of the aerodigestive tract caused by rapidly enlarging thyroid neoplasms

Two cases of rapidly enlarging tumors of the thyroid presenting with the sudden onset of symptoms referable to the aerodigestive tract are discussed. Although tumors of the thyroid are known to produce dysfunction of these structures, these cases are highly unusual, since in the vast majority of cases the onset and progression of these symptoms are insidious and rarely recognized by the patient or physician. The diagnostic workup and management of enlarging masses in this area is reviewed.