Is Sacrococcygeal teratoma curable?
Sacrococcygeal teratomas are rare tumors that develop at the base of the spine by the tailbone (coccyx) known as the sacrococcygeal region. Although most of these tumors are non-cancerous (benign), they may grow quite large and once diagnosed, always require surgical removal.
What causes a Sacrococcygeal teratoma?
Sacrococcygeal teratoma is very rare and happens between 1 in 35,000 to 1 in 40,000 live births. The cause is unknown. Tumors that are found in the newborn period are usually benign (non-threatening) but a few may be cancerous. SCT tumors are classified based on the position of the tumor.
Why is Sacrococcygeal teratoma common in females?
Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT), a usually but not always benign tumor (57), arises from extragonadal germ cells around the sacrum, occurring in one out of 35,000 to 40,000 live births, four times more frequently in females than males (58).
Can a teratoma grow back?
Types of teratomas Mature teratomas are usually benign (not cancerous). But they may grow back after being surgically removed. Immature teratomas are more likely to develop into a malignant cancer.
Should teratomas be removed?
Most teratomas are benign but malignant trans- formation does occur in 1-3% of cases. Teratomas can cause adnexal torsion or they may rupture and provoke acute peritonitis (Jones, 1988). Teratomas should therefore be removed when diagnosed.
How do you remove a teratoma?
Mature ovarian teratomas (dermoid cysts) are generally removed by laparoscopic surgery, if the cyst is small. This involves a small incision in the abdomen to insert a scope and a small cutting tool. A small risk of laparoscopic removal is that the cyst can become punctured and leak waxy material.
Does teratoma respond to chemotherapy?
Germ cell tumors are highly sensitive to chemotherapy and are usually curable even if the cancer has spread. But chemotherapy is not very effective for a type of germ cell tumor called a teratoma. This type needs to be removed with surgery.
Is Sacrococcygeal teratoma hereditary?
Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) can be sporadic or familial and there appear to be different characteristics to these entities. It can be an isolated anomaly or occur as part of the Currarino triad, when it is associated with anorectal malformations and sacral anomalies.
When to have surgery for sacrococcygeal teratoma ( SCT )?
The treatment for sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) typically involves surgery to remove the tumor. Surgery occurs either in the prenatal period or shortly after delivery. The timing is dependent on the size of the tumor and the associated symptoms. [3]
Where does a sacrococcygeal teratoma grow in a fetus?
A sacrococcygeal teratoma is a tumor that grows at the base of the spine in a developing fetus. It occurs in one in 40,000 newborns and girls are four times more likely to be affected than boys.
Is it possible for a teratoma to become malignant?
Though it is usually benign, there is a possibility that the teratoma could become malignant . As such, the recommended treatment of a teratoma is complete removal of the tumor by surgery, performed soon after the birth.
How does a sacrococcygeal tumor look like?
Sacrococcygeal tumor. © CHOP/CFDT The tumor is usually covered with skin, but may be covered by a thin, transparent tissue called a membrane. Most tumors have many blood vessels coming through them. They come in many different sizes, and sometimes they may grow outward from the back or toward your child’s stomach.