[Removal of complete type of mediastinal goiter in thirty-six-year-old female--a case report].

A tumor 6 cm in diameter located in the anterior superior mediastinum was found in a 36-year-old female, initially detected on chest-X-ray film in mass screening. The tumor was positively shown by 201thallium chloride scintigram. It was removed, and rapid diagnosis by frozen section proved benign. Follicular adenoma, with no connection to the thyroid, was diagnosed. It was a complete type of mediastinal goiter. Considering quality of life (QOL) as a 36-year-old female, the approach is important. Right half collar incision and upper median sternotomy from the top to the 3rd intercostal space was performed. Because few difficulties were experienced in removing the tumor, this case suggested that the incision and approach has usefulness to keep QOL.