[Retrosternal thyroid cancers. Considerations on 25 cases]

Intrathoracic thyroid cancer is an unusual finding, and few reports are available on this item. Literature data have been reviewed, and some considerations on epidemiologic characteristics of the disease and on its treatment were gained from an analysis of reports based on the files of I Surgical Clinic of the University of Turin, Surgical service of the Oncological Department of the S. Giovanni Battista Hospital and II Pathological Anatomy Service of the University of Turin. No correlation was found between previous thyroid disease, sex, histological findings, previous radiotherapy and incidence of the disease. Older age at the onset and recurrent laryngeal nerve lesions are frequently associated with intrathoracic thyroid cancer; papillary carcinoma is rarely found. Intrathoracic situation is not likely, in Author's opinion, to affect the long term prognosis more than usual risk factors.