Altman classification
A four-category surgical staging system for sacrococcygeal teratoma based on the proportion of tumour that is external versus internal (presacral).
Full Definition
The Altman classification (also known as the American Academy of Pediatrics Surgical Section classification) stratifies sacrococcygeal teratomas into four types: type I (predominantly external, no presacral component), type II (external with significant intrapelvic extension), type III (predominantly internal with a small external component), and type IV (entirely presacral/internal, no external component). Type IV tumours are most likely to be malignant and most likely to be diagnosed late. The classification directly guides surgical planning and informs pathological staging. Editors must preserve the Roman numeral designations (I–IV) and capitalise the eponym 'Altman'.
Usage
Usage note: Use Roman numerals (I, II, III, IV), not Arabic numerals, when citing Altman types, in accordance with the original classification and standard editorial practice.
In Context
- "The newborn presented with an Altman type I sacrococcygeal teratoma, which was resected uneventfully on day three of life." — Neonatal surgical case report
- "Type IV sacrococcygeal teratomas, per the Altman classification, carry the highest risk of malignancy due to their occult presacral location." — Pediatric oncology review article