Approaches to the management of antenatally diagnosed congenital tumours.
Congenital fetal tumours are rare, but current imaging modalities including US and MRI facilitate antenatal diagnosis and investigation, allowing a presumptive diagnosis and management strategy. Although the prevalence of fetal tumours is difficult to ascertain, an incidence of 7.2 per 100,000 live births has previously been reported, with the incidence of neonatal malignancy estimated at 36.5 per million births. Teratomas and neuroblastomas are the most common solid tumours described. Tumours may be very large or associated with severe hydrops leading to significant dystocia with the potential for difficult vaginal or caesarean delivery. Once the diagnosis of a fetal tumour is made, optimal management incorporates a multidisciplinary approach including obstetrician, neonatologist, paediatric surgeon and paediatric oncologist so that counselling is appropriate and a clear management plan is in place for parents.
Mahony
Rhona
R
Department of Fetal and Maternal Medicine, National Maternity Hospital, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland. rhonamahony@hotmail.com
McParland
Peter
P
D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000151:congenital* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*