Congenital retroperitoneal immature teratoma in a male neonate: a case report

Abstract

Introduction: Sacrococcygeal teratomas are the most frequent tumors in neonates. However, a teratoma in the retroperitoneal region is quite rare. 

Case: A 39-week-old baby with a cyanotic congenital heart disease was hospitalized after birth, and an intraabdominal mass was detected with an abdominal ultrasonographic evaluation, incidentally. Surgical approach was made on the 24^th postnatal day, and a large mass containing solid and cystic components was completely excised from the retroperitoneal region. Pathological assessment revealed that the mass was a grade 2 immature teratoma, including neuroepithelial tissue. 

Conclusion: Retroperitoneum contains main vessels, nerves, and vital organs; excision of tumors in the retroperitoneum is crucial, especially in neonates. Because of the possibility of malignant transformation, the correct timing of the surgery, meticulous excision and careful pathological evaluation should be done.