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Retrosternal thyroid

Retrosternal thyroid

Overview

The normal position of the thyroid is at the front of the neck above the sternal notch. In retrosternal thyroid, a portion of the gland extends below the sternal notch.

Review Date 3/31/2024

Updated by: Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, General Surgery Practice Specializing in Breast Cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.