review of the literature

ABSTRACT: Background. Ectopic mediastinal goiter is a rare entity that presents diagnostic and treatment challenges to the clinician. Methods. A case of primary ectopic mediastinal goiter is presented and use of a cervical approach for excision is described herein. Additionally, precedent literature highlighting surgical treatment approaches is reviewed. Results. The distinction between primary and secondary ectopic mediastinal goiter is significant as this indicates the vascular supply to the ectopic mass. Previous authors suggested open thoracic procedures for all primary mediastinal goiters to safely divide intrathoracic vascular supply, but favorably positioned anterior mediastinal goiter may be safely removed via cervical approach. This is the second case of primary ectopic mediastinal goiter successfully resected via cervical approach. Conclusion. Select cases of primary mediastinal goiter may be amenable to excision via cervical approach, avoiding potential complications of open thoracic procedures. Additionally, CT-guided biopsy is an effective tool in preoperative diagnosis of anterior mediastinal masses. VC 201