Clinicopathological Evaluation of Childhood Sacrococcygeal Germ Cell Tumors: A Single-Center Experience

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the cases of sacrococcygeal germ cell tumors diagnosed in our hospital between 2006 and June 2021. Materials and Methods::We evaluated 38 sacrococcygeal germ cell tumors cases in our series in terms of age, sex, clinical complaints, localization, macroscopy, tumor size, histopathological diagnosis, surgical, postoperative complications, treatment, recurrence, and prognosis. Results: The cases ranged from 1 day to 16 years of age; 14 cases were diagnosed with routine ultrasonographic examination during prenatal period while the rest of the cases most frequently presented with complaints of constipation. In terms of localization, 6 cases were type 1, 11 cases were type 2, 6 cases were type 3, and 15 cases were type 4. In the pathological evaluation, 25 cases were mature teratoma, 8 cases were immature teratoma, and 5 cases were pure yolk-sac tumor. In terms of complications, temporary colostomy was performed as a result of rupture during birth in 2 cases, disseminated intravascular coagulation at birth in 1 case, and colon injury in 2 cases. There was a recurrence in 2 of our cases. Thirty-seven of our cases were alive and 1 died. Alpha-fetoprotein level was high in 28 of our cases. Conclusion: In our series, type 4 cases were observed more frequently, contrary to the literature. We recommend to use a routine ultrasonography to patients who come to the clinic with complaints of constipation and inability to urinate and if a mass is detected, asking for alphafetoprotein for further follow-up. Sacrococcygeal germ cell tumors are ultimately a disease that can be successfully treated with multidisciplinary approach, accurate diagnosis in the antenatal and postnatal period, appropriate surgical intervention, and regular follow-up.

Automated summary

This study evaluated 38 cases of sacrococcygeal germ cell tumors diagnosed in the hospital between 2006 and June 2021. Type 4 cases were observed more frequently in the series. Routine ultrasonography is recommended for patients presenting with constipation and inability to urinate, with further alpha-fetoprotein testing if a mass is detected. The disease can be successfully treated with a multidisciplinary approach.