Recurring risk factors for sacrococcygeal teratoma in children

Abstract

Objective To explore the recurring risk factors for sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) in children. Methods A retrospective review was conducted for 107 SCT children between January 2003 and December 2012 at our hospital. Risk factors were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results Sixteen children had a recurrence of SCT at a median interval of 16.25 (6-59) months after primary surgery. And the Altman types of recurrent tumors were Ⅰ(n=8, 15.4%), Ⅱ(n=2, 10.5%), Ⅲ(n=1, 10.0%) and Ⅳ(n=5, 31.3%). Histologically, there were mature teratoma (n=8), immature teratoma (n=2) and malignant teratoma (n=5). Over half of recurrences showed a shift towards histological immaturity or malignancy as compared with primary tumor. The recurring risk factors were spillage of tumor parenchyma (P=0.028), incomplete resection (P=0.000) and immaturity (P=0.029) and malignant histology (P=0.026). Size, Altman classification and age were not recurring risk factors. Conclusions Tumor recurrence is an important prognostic factor for children with sacrococcygeal teratoma. The recurring risk factors include tumor spillage, malignancy or incomplete resection. Regular postoperative follow-ups are conducive for early detection of tumor recurrence and improving curative rate. Key words: Sacrococcygeal teratoma; Relapse; Risk factors