Large congenital cervical mass in a neonate: prenatal diagnosis and postnatal management of teratoma: a case report.

Abstract

Cervical teratomas are rare congenital neoplasms that can cause neonatal airway obstruction if large. The female Persian neonate displayed respiratory distress at birth, with a 7cm × 8cm cystic solid mass identified on the left side of the neck. Antenatal ultrasonography revealed polyhydramnios. Despite initial stabilization, the infant required intubation and mechanical ventilation due to persistent respiratory distress. Imaging confirmed a cystic mass compressing the trachea, ruling out cystic hygroma. Surgical resection on postnatal day 17 revealed a 10cm × 10cm solid cystic structure, histologically identified as an immature teratoma. Despite risks of poor fetal and postnatal outcome from large cervical teratomas, early surgical resection after airway stabilization can result in recovery. Proper multidisciplinary management of respiratory distress from such tumors is paramount.