Is Substernal the same as Retrosternal?

Is Substernal the same as Retrosternal?

A substernal goiter, also known as a retrosternal goiter, is an enlarged thyroid gland that grows inferiorly and passes through the thoracic inlet into the thoracic cavity. A substernal goiter is generally defined as a thyroid mass that has 50% or more of its volume located below the thoracic inlet.

What does substernal pain mean?

Pain felt just behind or below the sternum is called substernal pain and is sometimes caused by gastrointestinal problems. Some of the most common causes of sternum and substernal pain are: costochondritis. collarbone injuries. sternoclavicular joint injury.

What is meant by Retrosternal pain?

Retrosternal means behind the breastbone, or sternum. Retrosternal chest pain, therefore, is a pain that occurs inside the chest. Although it’s likely that pain behind the breastbone relates to the organs located there, such as the heart and esophagus, sometimes the pain originates elsewhere but is felt in this area.

What is substernal chest pain like?

Classic angina presents with substernal chest pain that’s described as “squeezing” or “pressure-like.” It often radiates to the arms or jaw and is made worse by exertion or emotion and made better by rest or nitroglycerin. It may be associated with diaphoresis, nausea, weakness or shortness of breath.

What is a substernal thyroidectomy?

Introduction. Substernal (or retrosternal) thyroidectomy is the surgical treatment of retrosternal goiters. Retrosternal (or intrathoracic, or substernal, or mediastinal) goiters are defined by deSouza and Smith as thyroid goiters, more than 50% of which are located below the thoracic inlet and into the mediastinum.[1]

What is Substernal region?

Medical Definition of substernal : situated or perceived behind or below the sternum substernal pain.

Where is the Substernal?

Substernal means “below the sternum” and therefore into the chest. Substernal and retosternal “behind the sternum” are often used without differences really considered between either.

What is it called when your chest hurts when you breathe?

Also known as pleurisy, this is an inflammation or irritation of the lining of the lungs and chest. You likely feel a sharp pain when you breathe, cough, or sneeze. The most common causes of pleuritic chest pain are bacterial or viral infections, pulmonary embolism, and pneumothorax.

What is Retrosternal dysphagia?

Dysphagia of the upper esophagus localizes to the upper esophagus but dysphagia of the lower esophagus may be referred to any level of the retrosternal area.

How can you tell the difference between gastric pain and heart pain?

“If you belch or pass gas and the pain goes away, you could just be experiencing stomach pain or heartburn,” said Joseph Lash, M.D., cardiologist with Norton Heart and Vascular Institute. “If the pain persists and you have shortness of breath or nausea, it could be a heart-related issue.”

What is a Retrosternal thyroid?

A retrosternal thyroid refers to the abnormal location of all or part of the thyroid gland below the breastbone (sternum).

What are compressive symptoms of thyroid?

Compressive symptoms were defined as experiencing neck fullness, dysphagia, choking, or dyspnea. Nodule size, thyroid lobe size, and the presence of visible thyromegaly were compared between the two groups.

What is substernal pain?

It is a type of pain felt behind the sternum bone; a flat bone located in the middle of the chest. This bone may also be referred to as the breastbone. Due to the relative location of substernal pain, it is often confused with a variety of different medical conditions, which can induce unnecessary anxiety in sufferers.

What does retrosternal mean?

Retrosternal Chest Pain. Medically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, MD, MPH on May 23, 2018 — Written by Scott Frothingham. Retrosternal means behind the breastbone, or sternum. Retrosternal chest pain, therefore, is a pain that occurs inside the chest.

What is retrosternal chest pain a symptom of?

Retrosternal chest pain can be a symptom of a condition affecting the heart and major blood vessels such as: Angina is chest discomfort triggered by a reduced flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Angina can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication.

What causes retrosternal pain behind the sternum?

Retrosternal chest pain can be a symptom of a condition causing a benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumor in the area behind the sternum. Mediastinal lymphadenopathy — also referred to as mediastinal adenopathy — is the enlargement of the mediastinal lymph nodes.