Retrosternal Goitre: Everything you need to know at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Abu Dhabi

What is Retrosternal Goitre?

The thyroid gland is a small butterfly‑shaped gland located at the front of the neck, and it plays a vital role in regulating the body’s metabolism. In some cases, the thyroid gland may enlarge abnormally, which is known as a goitre.

An enlargement of the thyroid can occur behind the sternum, the flat bone at the front of the chest. This type is called “intrathoracic goitre” or “retrosternal goitre”.

Symptoms of Retrosternal Goitre

Some individuals with retrosternal goitre may have no symptoms. However, others may experience symptoms that include:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Chest pain or tightness
• Chronic cough
• Hoarseness of voice
• A sensation of a lump in the neck
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Excessive sweating
• Mood changes
• Sleep disturbances

Causes

There are several potential causes of retrosternal goitre, including:

• Thyroid nodules: Benign tumours that grow within the thyroid gland
• Thyroid cancer: An abnormal growth of cells in the thyroid gland
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: An autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland
• Graves’ disease: An autoimmune disease that causes the thyroid to produce excess thyroid hormones
• Severe anaemia: A condition of iron deficiency in the body
• An enlarged thyroid gland: In some people the thyroid may be naturally large

Diagnosis

Diagnosing retrosternal goitre is a precise process that requires high levels of clinical expertise. At SSMC in Abu Dhabi, a select team of endocrinology specialists provides advanced diagnostic services that include:

• Clinical examination: The doctor examines the neck to check for any enlargement or mass, and may also listen to the patient’s voice to assess for hoarseness.
• Thyroid function tests: Blood levels of thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) are measured to assess thyroid function.
• Ultrasound: Ultrasound imaging is used to create pictures of the thyroid gland to determine its size and location and identify any nodules or tumours.
• Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): These scans may be used to create more detailed images of the thyroid and surrounding tissues.
• Biopsy: In some cases, a thyroid biopsy may be required to obtain a tissue sample for laboratory analysis.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size and function of the thyroid, and on the presence of any troublesome symptoms. Treatment options available at SSMC include:

• Radioiodine therapy: A commonly used treatment option for hyperthyroidism, in which a dose of radioactive iodine is taken up by the thyroid gland and helps to destroy some of its cells, thereby reducing hormone production.
• Medications: Antithyroid medicines may be used to suppress the production of thyroid hormones.
• Surgery: The doctor may resort to surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland, especially in cases where it causes significant symptoms or complications.

For more information, please contact Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City on 800 7762 or schedule an appointment here.