Nasopharyngeal teratoma. Report of a case with prenatal diagnosis and postnatal management.
BACKGROUND
Oral teratomas are rare entities.


METHODS
A patient was referred for elevations in the maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein. On ultrasound examination, a cyst was seen protruding from the fetal mouth. Postnatally, a teratoma was found to be filling the neonate's oral cavity.


CONCLUSIONS
This case illustrates problems in determining the etiology of head and neck masses antenatally. It also shows that teratomas can appear to regress and yield positive amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein and acetyl-cholinesterase. The appropriate perinatal management of this potentially devastating disorder includes preparation for establishing an airway following delivery.
Williams
L J
LJ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, USA.
Yankowitz
J
J
Robinson
R A
RA
Benda
J A
JA
D000328:Adult; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D011247:Pregnancy; D012086:Reoperation; D013724:Teratoma / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal