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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
Teratoma Generation in the Testis Capsule
Published on: November 7, 2011
Perinatal germ cell tumors: a case report of a cervical teratoma
Sharon Fichera1, Heather Hackett, Rita Secola
1Children's Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA. sfichera@chla.usc.edu
Insights
A rare cervical teratoma in a newborn was successfully treated with surgery and chemotherapy. This case highlights effective interdisciplinary care for malignant pediatric germ cell tumors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Developmental Biology
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Cervical teratomas are rare pediatric germ cell tumors arising from pluripotent cells.
- These tumors represent a small percentage of all pediatric teratomas, posing unique diagnostic and management challenges.
- Early prenatal diagnosis is crucial for planning interventions.
Observation:
- A case study of a 36-week male infant with a large, prenatally diagnosed cervical mass.
- Delivery via ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure facilitated immediate neonatal care.
- The infant underwent surgical resection of the teratoma on day 5 of life.
Findings:
- Pathology confirmed a malignant germ cell tumor.
- The neonate received a tailored chemotherapy regimen in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
- An interdisciplinary approach ensured safe and optimal care for the critically ill infant.
Implications:
- Successful management of a rare malignant cervical teratoma in a neonate.
- Demonstrates the efficacy of a multidisciplinary treatment strategy in complex pediatric oncology cases.
- The infant's successful recovery and discharge highlight advancements in neonatal intensive care and cancer treatment.
Abstract:
Teratomas belong to a class of tumors known as germ cell tumors. Cervical teratomas are rare and account for 1.5% to 5.5% of all pediatric teratomas. These types of tumors are the result of abnormal development of pluripotent cells. The following case study describes a 36-week male infant who was prenatally diagnosed with a large cervical mass. The neonate was delivered via the EXIT (ex utero intrapartum treatment) procedure, with expert teams present. After stabilization, the infant was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. The teratoma was removed on day of life 5. The pathology report indicated a malignant germ cell tumor. A chemotherapy regimen was developed for this critically ill neonate in the NICU. An interdisciplinary treatment approach allowed safe and optimal quality of care. Baby CM was discharged on day of life 88 without complications and continues to be cancer free and at home thriving.
