Ms. Nga, now 77 years old, discovered a goiter three decades ago. Initially, it was just a small thyroid nodule without any symptoms. However, over the years, the nodule grew large and was visible in her neck. Despite taking medication for the condition, Ms. Nga did not have regular check-ups.
Now, the goiter hangs down into her chest, causing difficulty breathing and swallowing. The doctor recommended surgery to remove the tumor and alleviate pressure on her respiratory and eating tracts. However, Ms. Nga was hesitant due to her underlying health conditions.
Despite the risks of bleeding, infection, and other complications, the doctor proceeded with a two-hour surgery. The results showed that the tumor was benign with a low chance of recurrence. Ms. Nga recovered well and was discharged after five days.
Goiters can form due to various factors including iodine deficiency, family history, age, gender, radiation therapy, obesity, and other health conditions. Mediastinal goiters extend from the neck into the chest and can impact breathing and aesthetics. Treatment options depend on the cause, symptoms
