[Endodermal sinus tumor. Histological changes induced by chemotherapy]

The case of a child affected at birth sacrococcygeal teratoma is reported. Twenty-eight months following surgical resection, the tumor relapsed locally and liver metastases occurred. A biopsy of the sacrococcygeal mass was performed and histologic examination proved it to be an endodermal sinus (yolk sac) tumor. Chemotherapy consisting of etoposide and high-dose carboplatin was started. When a second operation was performed the mass had disappeared and the macroscopically involved areas of liver were removed. Histologic examination demonstrated that the complete necrosis of the tumor was partially replaced by a fibrous scar tissue. The child underwent adjuvant chemotherapy and now is in complete remission fourteen months after the last operation.