Neoplasia and the fetal alcohol and hydantoin syndromes

All neoplasms observed in association with the fetal alcohol and hydantoin syndromes are reviewed. Combined teratogenesis and presumed fetal oncogenesis are discussed in addition to the known adult oncogenic potential of alcohol and hydantoin. Both the types of neoplasms and the organ systems affected are different in adults exposed to alcohol and hydantoin than in children exposed to the same presumed oncogens prenatally. Thus, dissimilar biologic processes are implicated, the presumed fetal oncogenic effects differing from the adult oncogenic effects. Further studies are needed to firmly establish the relationship between the fetal alcohol and hydantoin syndromes on the one hand and childhood neoplasia on the other.