Introduction

Cervical teratomas are rare congenital germ cell tumours originating from all three germ layers that can potentially obstruct the airway. While the incidence is estimated at 1 in 20,000–40,000 live births, these tumours represent a diagnostic and management challenge due to risks of respiratory compromise and mortality, which have been reported between 3 and 34% depending on the degree of airway involvement at presentation. [1,2,3,4] While prenatal diagnosis allows anticipation of potential airway issues in about 20% of cases, unexpected postnatal presentation remains an area of concern. [5, 6]. We present a case of a neonate with a large cervical teratoma detected on prenatal ultrasound who developed respiratory distress shortly after birth requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. Despite risks of morbidity and mortality from tumors of this size, early surgical management following airway stabilization resulted in favourable outcome. Presenting details of complex cases adheres to reporting guidelines, which aim to improve transparency and optimize care of similar clinical situations. This manuscript was prepared following the CARE guidelines for case reports. (https://www.care-statement.org)

Case presentation

A 34-year-old female gravida 4, para 3 delivered a 2900 g female child by spontaneous, uncomplicated vaginal delivery at 36 weeks of gestation. At delivery, a large cervical mass was obvious on the left side, which was cystic solid, measuring about 7 cm × 8 cm on examination (Fig. 1). The child had a respiratory rate of 40, a pulse rate of 120, an oxygen saturation of 56%, and a primary APGAR score of 9. A few seconds postdelivery she developed apnea which was resolved by stimulation and positive pressure ventilation (PPV) for 2 min and the oxygen saturation reached 90%. Based on an ultrasonographic study performed antenatally, the amniotic fluid index was reported to be more than 40 suggestive of polyhydramnios; therefore, the delivery was done with an attendant neonatal team at the delivery room. A neck ultrasonography was requested in which a neck mass with a pressure effect over the trachea was seen.

Fig. 1
figure 1

Photograph of neck mass in neonate

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Then she was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit with supplementary oxygen therapy adfministered over a hood at a rate of 10 L/min. The patient developed respiratory distress again and the oxygen saturation fell below 60%. After a failed trial of CPAP, the child was intubated and mechanically ventilated. With an impression of cystic hygroma with internal bleeding, a neck CT scan with intravenous contrast study was requested containing CT scan report, ruling out cystic hygroma. Mass biopsy under the guidance of ultrasound and then pathologic examination was not suggestive of cervical neuroblastoma, therefore, she was taken to the operating room. Figure 2 shows an intraoperative photograph during resection of the mass. The neck was positioned in right side rotation and was entered through a transverse incision on the left side. Intraoperative finding was a 10 cm × 10 cm solod cystic structure extending from carotid bifurcation to the chest cleft. Figures 3 and 4 show photographs of the excised mass and pathology slide, respectively.

Fig. 2
figure 2

Intraoperative photograph during resection of cervical mass

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Fig. 3
figure 3

Photograph of excised cervical mass

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Fig. 4
figure 4

Pathology slide showing components of immature teratoma, neuroepithelial part, indicated by the arrow. (H&E, 250×)

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Discussion

This case describes a rare large cervical teratoma found at delivery in a newborn. Cervical teratomas are uncommon congenital tumors that can compress the airway [1]. Prenatal detection occurs in 20% of cases and aids management by evaluating airway involvement and determining delivery approach [2, 5].

In this case, challenges included late identification of the mass perinatally and respiratory compromise in the newborn necessitating intubation. Fetal MRI can better define airway compression but was not performed [3]. Securing the airway through intubation was crucial given literature linking tumor size and respiratory distress to mortality [4]. Surgical resection is standard treatment [6, 7] and pathology in this case aligned with descriptions of immature teratoma. While prenatal diagnosis allows optimized delivery planning, multidisciplinary care including airway stabilization successfully managed this high-risk presentation.

In conclusion, this case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and coordinated neonatal resuscitation for large cervical teratomas. With informed consent from the guardian, it demonstrates lessons learned.

Conclusion

Large cervical teratomas require a multidisciplinary approach including securing the airway.