Surgical treatment of huge congenital extracranial immature teratoma: a case report

Abstract

Congenital cranial teratomas are usually characterized by complete loss of the normal intracranial architecture. In the majority of reports, the tumors are associated with stillbirth, perinatal death, or significant morbidity after surgical resection. The few reported attempts at total or subtotal tumor resection have had poor outcomes, although there are rare reports of prolonged survival up to 3.5 years following resection of smaller tumors. Neonatal teratomas are rarely located in the scalp. In the literature, there were only a few patients who underwent surgery during the neonatal period with a good outcome; however, all such patients survived. In this paper, we present a neonatal case of huge congenital extracranial immature teratoma on the scalp extending to the orbita, ears, and brain. Examination of the patient revealed a large craniofacial mass and head circumference that was bigger than normal; there were no other neurological deficits. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a multiloculated, heterogeneous cystic mass that was larger than the patient's head, displacing and distorting anatomical structures. MRI showed mass with calcifications, soft tissue, fat, and fluid components. There was deformity and remodeling of the adjacent calvaria. A total surgical excision was performed and histopathological examination showed immature teratoma. The patient's early postoperative course was uneventful. Postoperative CT and MRI were normal. To date, the patient has survived for 6 months without neurological deficit. We conclude that acceptable functional outcomes in the context of massive congenital craniofacial teratomas can be achieved by early radical resection.