Diagnostic imaging and surgical management of a congenital cervical teratoma

Congenital Immature Grade ΙΙΙ Teratoma of the Neck: A Case Report

Teratoma is a rare type of germ cell tumor that consists of structures derived from all three germ layers of the embryo with varying proportions. While most of these are benign, some can turn malignant. The most common location of teratomas is the sacrococcygeal region, while their occurrence in the neck region is very rare. Broadly classified, immature teratomas contain poorly differentiated tissues, while mature ones have well-differentiated tissues. Here, the authors present a case of a 12-month-old child who presented with a huge neck mass. Radiological imaging studies were performed. Under a multidisciplinary team approach, the child was treated successfully with surgical excision. Histopathology revealed the mass to be an immature teratoma of grade III. Postoperatively, no recurrence has been noted.

Case report: Fetal cervical immature teratoma and copy number variations

Fetal cervical teratoma is a rare congenital neck tumor. Here, we report a case of a fetus with an anterior solid neck tumor that was confirmed to have an immature teratoma by histology. A duplication was found at chromosome 14q24.1-q24.3 of the fetus in chromosome microarray (CMA) and whole exome sequencing (WES), which was a copy number variation (CNV) and a probably new-onset. Ultrasound coupled with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be considered to be a relatively reliable diagnostic tool, whereas ex-utero intrapartum therapy or resection of the tumor mass on placental support may improve the chances of the newborn’s survival. Strangely, the same duplication occurred on her next fetus that was found with complex congenital heart malformations. CNV at chromosome 14q24.1-q24.3 needs to be paid more attention.

Cervical Cystic Teratoma: An Unusual Cause of Airway Obstruction in the Pediatric Population

Cystic teratoma is a germ cell tumor, which usually involves the gonads. However, it can be located occasionally in other organs. The most common extragonadal sites for germ cell tumors include midline structures such as the retroperitoneum, mediastinum, pineal body, and supra-sellar space. Here, we describe a case of a patient who presented with a cystic teratoma involving the anterior aspect of the neck. The chief complaints of the patient consisted of a large swelling in front of the neck, difficulty in breathing, and frequent regurgitation of milk during feeding. Initially, a diagnosis of cystic hygroma was instituted for which the patient underwent sclerotherapy utilizing bleomycin. However, no improvement was observed in the patient's condition. A detailed evaluation was planned, starting with a CT scan of the head and neck that suggested cystic teratoma as the likely etiology. Surgical excision of the mass was performed, and an excisional biopsy for histopathological examination was taken. A final diagnosis of cervical cystic teratoma was established based on the histopathological findings. The purpose of reporting this case is to raise awareness among fellow healthcare professionals that cystic teratoma can also present with a large swelling in the anterior neck with obstructive features.