Pediatric Teratoma and Dermoid Cysts

Update from the 4th Edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumours: What Is New in the 2017 WHO Blue Book for Tumors and Tumor-Like Lesions of the Neck and Lymph Nodes

“…The cyst occurs in the head and neck in 7% of the cases [48]. The majority of the cysts are subcutaneous and recognized in children younger than 5 years old [49]. The most common sites include midline neck or nose, nasolabial fold, and lateral third of the eyebrow (along the embryological closure lines) [50].…”

Lumps and Bumps of the Neck in Children—Neuroimaging of Congenital and Acquired Lesions

“…They are hypothesized to arise either from pluripotent stem cells sequestered during embryogenesis or from embryonic tissue that escaped the regional influences of the primary organizer . Teratomas are classified as mature or immature lesions . The risk of malignant congenital cervical teratomas increases with advanced age at diagnosis.…”

“…Alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) is an indicator for teratoma in infants and children; however, in neonates, AFP has high normal baseline values. Cervical teratomas typically are located in the midline in the suprahyoid region . They may extend into the mediastinum or compress the trachea.…”

“…If tracheal compression occurs during embryonic development, this may result in pulmonary hypoplasia. In prenatally identified lesions, polyhydramnios may be seen secondary to impaired fetal swallowing . On US, the lesion shows heterogeneous echogenicity with solid and cystic components.…”

“…6 Teratomas are classified as mature or immature lesions. 18,32 The risk of malignant congenital cervical teratomas increases with advanced age at diagnosis. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is an indicator for teratoma in infants and children; however, in neonates, AFP has high normal baseline values.…”