Substernal goiters are a type of thyroid swelling located beneath the sternum. The correct spelling of this term may be confusing, but it can be understood through its phonetic transcription. The word "Substernal" is pronounced as /sʌbˈstɜːrnəl/ which means "under the sternum". Meanwhile, "Goiter" is spelled and pronounced as /ˈɡɔɪtər/, which is used to refer to an enlarged thyroid gland. Proper spelling is important to avoid confusion and to ensure accurate communication in the medical field.
Substernal goiters, also known as retrosternal goiters, are enlarged thyroid glands that extend beneath the sternum (breastbone) and into the upper chest cavity. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland, which is located at the front of the neck, expands in size and pushes downward into the mediastinum, the area between the lungs.
A goiter develops when the thyroid gland produces too much or too little thyroid hormone, leading to an enlargement of the gland. Substernal goiters are less common than cervical goiters, which are confined to the neck, and they tend to present with larger and more symptomatic enlargements.
Substernal goiters can cause a range of symptoms, including difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking, as the enlarged gland puts pressure on nearby structures. Other potential symptoms include a visible swelling or bulge in the lower neck or upper chest, coughing, wheezing, and even a choking sensation.
Treatment for substernal goiters may involve medication, such as hormone replacements, especially if the goiter is caused by an underactive thyroid. Surgical intervention, such as thyroidectomy (removal of the thyroid gland), is often required for large or obstructive goiters. In some cases, partial removal of the gland may be sufficient to alleviate symptoms and reduce the size of the goiter. After surgery, thyroid hormone replacement therapy may be necessary to ensure normal thyroid function.
The word "substernal goiters" consists of two main parts: "substernal" and "goiters".
- "Substernal" is derived from the Latin prefix "sub", meaning "beneath" or "below", and the word "sternum", referring to the breastbone. Therefore, "substernal" refers to something situated or occurring beneath or below the sternum.
- "Goiters" is the plural form of "goiter". The term "goiter" originates from the Latin word "guttur", which means "throat". The term refers to the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, usually resulting in a visible swelling in the neck area.
Combining both parts, "substernal goiters" refers to an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland that extends beneath the sternum, causing swelling in the neck and chest region.