What is a Sacrococcygeal Teratoma in Children?
A sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is a rare tumor present at birth that develops at the base of the spine, near the tailbone (coccyx). It is the most common tumor seen in newborns.
A teratoma is a tumor composed of cells that develop early in embryonic development. Because of this, the tumor may contain different types of tissue, such as Hair, Fat, Bone, Cartilage and Teeth.
Most sacrococcygeal teratomas in children are benign (non-cancerous), but some can be malignant (cancerous), especially if diagnosis or treatment is delayed.
Where does sacrococcygeal teratoma occur?
Sacrococcygeal teratoma forms at the lower end of the spine, just above or below the buttocks. It can be outside the body, inside the pelvis, or both. Because it grows where it does, the tumor is often seen at birth.
How does sacrococcygeal teratoma develop?
SCT develops from primitive germ cells that remain near the tailbone during early fetal development. These cells grow abnormally and form a tumor.
The exact cause is not known, and it is not caused by anything the parents did or did not do during pregnancy.
Types of sacrococcygeal teratoma
Sacrococcygeal teratomas are classified based on their location:
Type I
- Tumor is mostly outside the body
- Least complicated
- Best outcomes after surgery
Type II
- Tumor is outside the body with a small part inside the pelvis
Type III
- Tumor is mostly inside the pelvis or abdomen
- Only a small part is visible outside
Type IV
- Tumor is completely inside the pelvis
- Not visible externally
- Often diagnosed later
How common is sacrococcygeal teratoma?
Sacrococcygeal teratoma is rare, but among childhood tumors:
- It is the most common tumor in newborns
- Occurs more often in girls than boys
- Usually diagnosed at birth or during pregnancy
What does sacrococcygeal teratoma look like?
At birth, a baby may have:
- A large lump or mass near the buttocks
- Skin-covered swelling
- Sometimes an ulcerated or bleeding surface
In internal tumors, symptoms may appear later.
What are the symptoms of sacrococcygeal teratoma?
Symptoms depend on the size and type of the tumor.
Common symptoms include:
- Visible swelling near the tailbone
- Difficulty passing stool or urine
- Abdominal swelling
- Vomiting
- Poor feeding
- Leg weakness (rare)
- Signs of heart strain in very large tumors
Some tumors are detected before birth on routine ultrasound.
What complications can occur?
If untreated, sacrococcygeal teratoma may lead to:
- Infection or bleeding
- Pressure on bladder or intestines
- Difficulty in passing urine or stools
- Damage to nearby nerves
- Malignant (cancerous) change
- Recurrence of tumor
What causes sacrococcygeal teratoma?
The exact cause is unknown. It is believed to result from:
- Abnormal development of germ cells during early pregnancy
SCT is not inherited in most cases and usually occurs by chance.
How is sacrococcygeal teratoma diagnosed?
Diagnosis may happen:
- Before birth, during prenatal ultrasound
- At birth, by physical examination
Additional tests include:
- Ultrasound to assess size and internal involvement
- MRI or CT scan to see extent of the tumor
- Blood tests (AFP tumor marker) to check for malignancy
- X-ray if needed
Management and Treatment
How is sacrococcygeal teratoma treated?
The main treatment is surgery.
Surgical treatment includes:
- Complete removal of the tumor
- Removal of the tailbone (coccyx) to prevent recurrence
Surgery is usually performed soon after birth, especially if the tumor is large or causing symptoms.
Is additional treatment needed?
- Benign tumors usually need surgery alone
- Malignant tumors may require:
- Chemotherapy
- Regular monitoring with blood tests and scans
Long-term follow-up is essential.
Are there risks of treatment?
As with any surgery, risks may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Damage to nearby structures
- Recurrence if coccyx is not removed
With timely surgery and expert pediatric surgical care, risks are minimized.
Can children live a normal life after treatment?
Yes, Most children with sacrococcygeal teratoma:
- Recover well after surgery
- Grow and develop normally
- Have an excellent long-term outcome
Early diagnosis and complete tumor removal provide the best prognosis.
Can sacrococcygeal teratoma be prevented?
No, Sacrococcygeal teratoma cannot be prevented, as it develops before birth. Early detection and proper treatment are key.
Living With
When should I see a doctor?
You should consult a doctor if:
- A lump is seen near a baby’s lower back or buttocks
- Your child has difficulty passing urine or stool
- Abdominal swelling or unexplained symptoms appear
If SCT is suspected or diagnosed, early consultation with a Pediatric Surgeon is essential.
Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Sacrococcygeal teratoma treatment in Lucknow, India?
Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Sacrococcygeal teratoma treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced pediatric surgeons and oncology specialists who provide accurate diagnosis with advanced imaging, personalized medical care, and specialized surgical treatment tailored to each child's specific condition. Our Pediatric Surgery team has decades of experience in successfully treating Sacrococcygeal teratoma in Lucknow, India.
To seek an Expert Consultation for Sacrococcygeal teratoma treatment in Lucknow, India:
Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com
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