Case Report of a Massive Retropharyngeal Goiter Resulting in Laryngeal Compression

Multinodular goiter with a retropharyngeal extension: A report of two cases and literature review

Multinodular goiter (MNG) is a chronic benign nodular enlargement of the thyroid gland. It presents as an anterior painless neck mass, potentially progressing to exert pressure on the trachea and esophagus and giving rise to compressive symptoms. MNG is a common thyroid gland disorder; however, retropharyngeal goiter is considered rare with few reported cases. We report the cases of two patients who presented to our institution with MNG with retropharyngeal extension: a 62-year-old female patient who presented with a progressive anterior neck mass with dilated neck veins; and a 49-year-old male who presented with a painless anterior neck mass. Both patients successfully underwent total thyroidectomy with an uneventful postoperative recovery. The clinical presentation of MNG with retropharyngeal extension varies with patients; hence, a high index of suspicion is of the utmost significance. While the retropharyngeal extension does not cause compressive symptoms, it should raise the suspicion of a large retrosternal component.

Surgical treatment result of giant thyroid tumor: Case series in Vietnam

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Giant thyroid tumors are associated with compressive symptoms and surgery is necessary for treatment.

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Surgery is primary treatment to quickly relieve compression symptoms.

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The risk of surgical complications is higher as well as the duration of operation is longer than small thyroid tumor.

Introduction

Giant thyroid tumors can be associated with severely compressive symptoms and surgery is inevitable for treatment strategy. However, the risk of surgical complications is higher as well as the duration of operation may be longer than those of small thyroid tumors.

Presentation of cases

Two patients with large neck tumors were admitted with history of thyroid goiters for more than 10 years. Recently, the patients have complained of worsening compressive symptoms including dyspnea and dysphagia. Imaging work-up indicated a deviation and compression of trachea. Both patients underwent either lobectomy or thyroidectomy and were discharged without any complications. Final histological results were thyroid adenoma in both cases.

Conclusion

Surgical management is considered as primary treatment for most patients with giant thyroid tumors. It is necessary to be aware of complications and careful dissection to archive a good outcome.