Emergency management of a congenital teratoma of the oral cavity at birth and three-year follow-up

Abstract

Teratomas are congenital malformations that are rarely located in the head and neck region. We report a case of congenital teratoma of the oral cavity, which was causing an airway obstruction and was treated at the time of birth. This teratoma was discovered at 27 gestational weeks by ultrasonography. A multidisciplinary team was consulted for antenatal diagnosis; the options of therapeutic abortion or management of the birth with the prevention of respiratory distress were debated. However, preterm labour at 32 gestational weeks accelerated the parental and the medical decisions. The parents agreed to the birth. The various disciplines coordinated their work, and the predefined treatment plan for clearing the airway obstruction was applied to manage the birth. The reestablishment of patency of the airway was performed during delivery and removal of the tumour was performed immediately afterwards. The follow-up of this case over 3 years is also presented.