Sacrococcygeal teratoma

Abstract Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is the most common solid neonatal tumour, with a malignancy potential related directly to the age at diagnosis. SCTs (Altman I and II) not detected on antenatal ultrasonography are usually noticed at birth. Twenty per cent of SCTs present later on (Altman III and IV), usually with symptoms of constipation, urine retention, a lump, or metastases. Coexisting abnormalities are present in 10–20%. Tumour rupture or bleeding at the time of delivery can significantly compromise the overall outcome. A planned caesarean section is advised for term infants with tumours larger than 5 cm. Antenatal diagnosis of SCT should prompt referral to a tertiary obstetrics centre with immediate access to a neonatal paediatric surgery intensive care unit. Long-term sequelae include bowel and bladder dysfunction, as well as psychosocial, sexual, obstetric, and cosmetic effects.