A 7-year-old girl presented with a mass in the sacral region which had been present since birth and appeared to grow with age. The mass was soft in consistency and devoid of any discharge.
A CT scan was performed and revealed a pedunculated soft tissue mass posterior of the sacrum at S4-S5 level, with inhomogeneous density (including fat and calcification). No definite presacral extension was seen.
On USG correlation, the mass appeared solid-cystic in nature.
Sacrococcygeal teratoma is the most common solid tumour in neonates with an incidence of one in 35000 births and a F:M ratio of 4:1. It is a type of germ cell tumour arising from an early event in embryogenesis leading to abnormal primitive totipotent cells. It is most commonly benign, although malignant forms also occur. Malignant forms occur most commonly in men. [1]
It arises from the anterior portion of coccyx and grows most commonly posteroinferiorly. It can be one of 4 types: [2, 3]
Type 1: entirely external
Type 2: with little presacral extension
Type 3: largest part in pelvis or abdomen
Type 4: entirely presacral
Radiologic evaluation helps in the confirmation of the diagnosis, extension of the mass, relationship with other structures, tissue characteristics and demonstration of metastasis in malignant cases. [4] It can be solid, cystic or a combination of both. Cystic lesions have the lowest risk of malignancy while solid ones have the highest risk. USG shows solid or cystic nature of the tumour while colour Doppler in some tumours may show marked hypervascularity. MRI is the modality to rule out any colonic displacement, ureteric dilatation, associated hip dislocation and intraspinal extension.
Management of benign tumours [5] is surgical excision with coccyx to prevent recurrence while in malignant types radiotherapy and chemotherapy are performed, followed by surgical excision. The blood AFP is often the tumour marker in children with malignant teratoma.
Sacrococcygeal teratoma (Type 1)
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From the provided CT images and external photographs, there is a relatively large, soft mass located in the sacrococcygeal region. The overlying skin appears intact, showing no obvious ulceration or discharge. The axial CT view indicates that this mass is situated subcutaneously in the sacrococcygeal area and shows relatively well-defined boundaries. Compared to the surrounding tissues, the lesion primarily demonstrates soft tissue density without apparent calcification or fatty density shadows. It protrudes posteriorly towards the sacrococcygeal region.
Based on the current imaging data, the lesion is mostly seen on the external side of the sacrococcygeal area without significant evidence of extension into the spinal canal. No obvious bony destruction or deformity is noted, and the pelvic organs appear to be in normal positions. Overall, the findings are suggestive of a congenital sacrococcygeal mass, consistent with common features of a congenital sacrococcygeal teratoma.
Considering the patient's sex, the presence of a congenital mass, clinical palpation, and imaging characteristics, the most likely diagnosis is Sacrococcygeal Teratoma. Further evaluation of tissue components and benign or malignant properties would require additional assessments, such as serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) measurement and histopathological examination.
Treatment Strategy:
Rehabilitation and Exercise Prescription Suggestions:
Given the patient’s young age, postoperative rehabilitation should be individualized and implemented gradually. The following serve as example guidelines:
During the entire rehabilitation process, close attention should be paid to incision healing and any signs of swelling, pain, or recurrence in the sacrococcygeal region. If any discomfort or suspected recurrence occurs, seek medical consultation promptly.
Disclaimer: This report provides a reference for medical analysis based on the imaging and clinical information supplied. It does not constitute a definitive diagnosis or treatment recommendation and should not replace in-person evaluation by a qualified physician. If you have any questions or require further care, please consult a specialist or visit a hospital.
Sacrococcygeal teratoma (Type 1)