Sub sternal thyroid issue

[Christine3840]

Hey y'all's. I was just diagnosed with sub sternal thyroid, and have to see a surgeon, this Tuesday next. I'm nervous as what he's going to say. I've never heard of this before, I thought the thyroid remained in the kneck. Any advice would be be great. Thank you for letting me rant. Christine

[cjrsquared]

The thyroid can expand down behind the sternum and impinge on the oesophagus and trachea causing both breathing and swallowing problems. It is highly likely that the surgeon will suggest total thyroidectomy to prevent further expansion and pre empt any future problems. I had an enlarged thyroid due to nodules which eventually caused problems squashing my trachea. My thyroid function was always normal but eventually due to the effect on other organs I had to have surgery. Retrosternal thyroid can make surgery more difficult but your surgeon will be able to advise you. If you are not having any symptoms you don’t have to make a decision immediately, but take someone with you, as it can be difficult to remember everything said to you.

If you have further questions happy for you to pm me.

[Christine3840 in reply to cjrsquared]

Thank you for your time and and help, I'll TTY after my appointment with the surgeon tomorrow. God bless

[Christine3840 in reply to cjrsquared]

Good morning, I went to see the surgeon Tuesday last, he saidthat I have to have a biopsy, then they will proceed with surgery, yelling me they will have to crack my sternum. I'm really worried about all this, if anyone has any advice please give it to me, I'm up for any. Christine