Malignant cervical teratoma of the fetus

Cervical teratomas have been defined and one new case is now added to the 116 cases previously reported. We have been able to find only six reports of malignant teratoma in the literature so far. The problem of diagnosis and obstetric management are discussed briefly. The incidence of appearance of the tumor is described and the likelihood of hydramnios or of acute obstructive symptoms of the trachea and esophagus at birth are discussed. The differential diagnosis includes cystic hygroma, congenital goitre, bronchial cyst, lymphangioma, neuroblastoma, parotid tumor and carcinoma of the thyroid. The object of this review is to present a synoptic description of these tumors, their clinical manifestations, management, treatment and prognosis, so that it may afford the attending obstetrician a guideline in understanding this rare entity.