Sacrococcygeal teratoma (patient information)
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What is sacrococcygeal teratoma?
A sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is the most common tumor in the newborna tumor. It develops at the base of the coccyx. Many children can be diagnosed after birth and will recover fullly after treatment. Usual presentations include a fluid-filled cyst or a solid mass sticking out from the fetus's buttocks in fetus peroid by ultrasound, visible lump or mass under the skin at the top of the buttocks crease in childhood, or discomfort and pain in sacrococcygeal region. Treatments invlove surgery and radio frequency ablation.
How do I know if I have sacrococcygeal teratoma and what are the symptoms of sacrococcygeal teratoma?
- Neonatal and infants tumors: It presents protruding from the sacral site, a visible lump under the skin at the top of the buttocks crease. If not visible, it can sometimes be felt like gently prodded.
- Children tumor: The tumor presents as a palpable mass in the sacropelvic region compressing the bladder or rectum. These may make the child discomfort or pain.
Other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a paediatrician can tell for sure. A person with any of these symptoms should tell the paediatrician so that the problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
Who is at risk for sacrococcygeal teratoma?
The cause of sacrococcygeal teratoma is not clear.
How to know you have sacrococcygeal teratoma?
Pregnant peroid
- Blood level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in women: This is a routine part of prenatal care in pregnancy peroid. For patients suspected sacrococcygeal teratoma, the level is high.
- Ultrasound: This test uses ultrasound to presentate the image of the tumor. It can show a mass which may be either cystic or solid in appearance or commonly a mixture of both.
Childhood
- Ultrasound: This test uses ultrasound to presentate the image of the tumor. This test can show a large solid mass in sacrococcygeal region.
- X-ray: This test uses X-ray to demonstrate the image of the tumor. Sometimes the doctor may see
the shadow of teeth and bones.
When to seek urgent medical care?
During the pregnant peroid, be careful to observe any changes of yourself and the fetus. If you experience either of the following symptoms, seeking urgent medical care as soon as possible:
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for sacrococcygeal teratoma?
Directions to Hospitals Treating sacrococcygeal teratoma
Prevention of sacrococcygeal teratoma
Because the cause is not clear, the preventive measure is unknown.
What to expect (Outook/Prognosis)?
Copyleft Sources
http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site1536/mainpageS1536P0.html