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Sacrococcygeal yolk sac tumor presenting as subcutaneous fluid collection initially treated as abscess

Azher Merchant1, Rosalyn W Stewart

  • 1Pediatric Emergency Department, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Southern Medical Journal
|September 7, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Rare malignant extragonadal germ cell tumors can present as skin nodules in children. This case highlights a sacrococcygeal yolk sac tumor initially mistaken for a soft tissue abscess.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Malignant extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGGCTs) are rare, particularly in pediatric populations.
  • These tumors arise along the body's midline, potentially presenting with both internal and external symptoms.
  • Early diagnosis is crucial, yet EGGCTs can mimic more common benign conditions.

Observation:

  • A case report details an 11-month-old female infant with a sacrococcygeal EGGCT.
  • The tumor initially manifested as a draining subcutaneous nodule.
  • The presentation was initially misdiagnosed and treated as a soft tissue abscess.

Findings:

  • The study identified a sacrococcygeal extragonadal yolk sac tumor in an infant.
  • The tumor's external manifestation mimicked a benign soft tissue condition, leading to delayed diagnosis.
  • This highlights the diagnostic challenges associated with extragonadal germ cell tumors.

Implications:

  • Accurate diagnosis of EGGCTs requires high clinical suspicion, especially with midline masses in children.
  • Awareness of EGGCTs' potential to mimic benign conditions is vital for pediatricians and oncologists.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering rare diagnoses in pediatric soft tissue presentations.

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