How is substernal goiter diagnosed?

Substernal Goiter: The Definitive Diagnosis of a Substernal/Retrosternal Goiter is Made by High Resolution Ultrasound Examination. The diagnosis of a substernal goiter is made with a comprehensive ultrasound examination of the entire thyroid gland and neck lymph nodes. Ultrasound exposes you to no radiation whatsoever.

What is a substernal goiter?

A condition in which the thyroid gland (located in the lower neck) or masses inside the gland grow downward into the upper chest is called substernal thyroid or substernal goiter. In many cases this growth can be slow, enlarging over a period of years and gradually pressing on structures such as the esophagus.

Is Substernal goitre surgery safe?

As per the largest study done, the rate of sternotomy is less than 5%, the complication rates are acceptable, and the mortality is less than 1%. Thus, the outcome of substernal goiter surgery is usually good. However, the rate of complications is higher in individuals older than 60 years of age.

What is the Substernal area?

Medical Definition of substernal : situated or perceived behind or below the sternum substernal pain.

What causes a substernal goiter?

Substernal goiter is defined as thyroid tissue in the thoracic cavity and is caused by an enlarging thyroid gland passing through the thoracic inlet. Substernal goiter can be diagnosed incidentally during an unrelated imaging test.

What is substernal pain?

Pain felt just behind or below the sternum is called substernal pain and is sometimes caused by gastrointestinal problems. Some of the most common causes of sternum and substernal pain are: costochondritis. collarbone injuries. sternoclavicular joint injury.

What is a substernal thyroidectomy?

Substernal (or retrosternal) thyroidectomy is the surgical treatment of retrosternal goiters. Retrosternal (or intrathoracic, or substernal, or mediastinal) goiters are defined by deSouza and Smith as thyroid goiters, more than 50% of which are located below the thoracic inlet and into the mediastinum.

How is Substernal thyroid treated?

Surgical intervention is the treatment of choice for substernal goiter. In the case of benign disease, the extent of surgery is determined by the removal of the entire substernal component of a goiter as well as any other thyroid tissue responsible for obstructive symptomatology.

Where is substernal pain?

Pain felt just behind or below the sternum is called substernal pain and is sometimes caused by gastrointestinal problems.

How do you get rid of a goiter without surgery?

Thyroid hormone replacement pills if the goiter is due to an underactive thyroid. Small doses of Lugol’s iodine or potassium iodine solution if the goiter is due to a lack of iodine. Radioactive iodine to shrink the gland if the thyroid is producing too much thyroid hormone.

How do you relieve substernal pain?

Typical treatment includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If necessary, your doctor might suggest steroids. Antibiotics could be prescribed if the pericarditis is caused by infection. If the pericarditis is chronic, colchicine (Colcrys) could be prescribed.

How long does substernal pain last?

Episodes typically last from 30 seconds up to three minutes. The condition is thought to be related to spasm of the intercostal muscle(s) but no tenderness is noted on palpation. Management involves reassurance, postural education and pain control as needed.

What is the difference between Substernal and Retrosternal?

A substernal goiter, also known as a retrosternal goiter, is an enlarged thyroid gland that grows inferiorly and passes through the thoracic inlet into the thoracic cavity. A substernal goiter is generally defined as a thyroid mass that has 50% or more of its volume located below the thoracic inlet.

What is the recovery time for having your thyroid removed?

Most people are ready to return home within one day of surgery, but take off about two weeks from work to recover. You’ll need to refrain from heavy lifting or other tasks that can strain your neck for up to three weeks after your surgery.