Sacrococcygeal Teratoma
Pronunciation: say-kroh-kok-SIJ-ee-al ter-uh-TOH-muh
Tumor arising from the sacrococcygeal region in newborns, containing tissue from multiple germ cell layers.
Full Definition
Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is the most common tumor in neonates, arising from the tailbone (coccyx) region. These tumors contain tissues derived from all three embryonic germ layers and can be predominantly external, internal, or mixed. Large external tumors may cause delivery complications and high-output cardiac failure due to tumor vascularity. Internal tumors may present later with constipation or urinary retention. Most are benign in newborns, but malignant potential increases with age, making early complete excision the standard treatment.
Usage
Usage note: Abbreviated as SCT; malignant potential increases with delayed treatment.
In Context
- "The massive sacrococcygeal teratoma required cesarean delivery and immediate postnatal resection." — Obstetric-surgical consultation
- "Alpha-fetoprotein levels normalized following complete excision of the benign sacrococcygeal teratoma." — Oncology follow-up note