NASOPHARYNGEAL TERATOMA - REPORT OF A CASE WITH PRENATAL-DIAGNOSIS AND POSTNATAL MANAGEMENT

BACKGROUND: Oral teratomas are rare entities. CASE: A patient was refe rred for elevations in the maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein. On ultras ound examination, a cyst was seen protruding from the fetal mouth. Pos tnatally, a teratoma was found to be filling the neonate's oral cavity . CONCLUSION: This case illustrates problems in determining the etiolo gy of head and neck masses antenatally. It also shows that teratomas c art appear to regress and yield positive amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprot ein and acetylcholinesterase. The appropriate perinatal management of this potentially devastating disorder includes preparation for establi shing an airway following delivery.