Cervical teratoma

A cervical teratoma is a very rare congenital tumor in the neck.

• These tumors tend to be large, disfiguring masses — partly solid and partly fluid
• They make it impossible for a newborn to breathe upon birth.
• Advances in medical technology, early detection and careful monitoring during pregnancy, now make it possible for these babies to be saved.

Surgical advances

These days, surgery at Children’s Hospital Boston is done as the baby is delivered via Cesarean section and still attached to the mother's placenta. This method, known as an EXIT (ex utero intrapartum treatment) procedure, gives surgeons time to perform multiple procedures to clear your baby's airway while the placenta is still attached.