National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Sacrococcygeal Teratoma


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A sacrococcygeal teratoma is a tumor that grows at the base of the spine in a developing fetus.  It occurs in one in 40,000 newborns and girls are four times more likely to be affected than boys.  Though it is usually benign, there is a possibility that the teratoma could become malignant.  As such, the recommended treatment of a teratoma is complete removal of the tumor by surgery, performed soon after the birth.  If not all of the tumor is removed during the initial surgery, the teratoma may grow back (recur) and additional surgeries may be needed.[1]  Studies have found that sacrococcygeal teratomas recur in up to 22% of cases.[2]
Last updated: 10/18/2013
The treatment for sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) typically involves surgery to remove the tumor. Surgery occurs either in the prenatal period or shortly after delivery. The timing is dependent on the size of the tumor and the associated symptoms.[3]

To learn more about both prenatal and postnatal surgery for SCT, visit the following links from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
http://www.chop.edu/treatments/fetal-surgery-sacrococcygeal-teratoma-sct/about#.VqGW_PkrJD8

http://www.chop.edu/treatments/postnatal-surgery-sacrococcygeal-teratoma-sct#.VqGX7vkrJD8
Last updated: 2/17/2016

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Sacrococcygeal Teratoma. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a report for patients and families about this condition. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

  • I am pregnant and my baby has been recently diagnosed with a sacrococcygeal teratoma. My OBGYN has never had a case like this. The tumor is relatively large but does not have excessive blood flow. Would the baby develop hydrops if blood flow is very little but the tumor is large? See answer

  • I had a sacrococcygeal teratoma removed when I was very young.  I have since had numerous surgeries to remove scar tissue and a total hysterectomy.  I have been trying to get information as to what problems I may have because of this history.  I have started having a lot problems and I now have to walk with a cane.  I also have had horrible lower back pain for years - could this be due to this rare condition? See answer


  1. Schmidt B, Haberlik A, Uray E, Ratschek M, Lackner H, Höllwarth ME. Sacrococcygeal teratoma: clinical course and prognosis with a special view to long-term functional results. Pediatric Surgery International. 1999; 15:573-576. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=10631738.
  2. Tailor J, Roy PG, Hitchcock R, Grant H, Johnson P, Joseph VT, Lakhoo K. Long-term functional outcome of sacrococcygeal teratoma in a UK regional center (1993 to 2006). Journal of Pediatric Hematology/oncology. 2009; 31:183-186. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=19262244. Accessed 7/12/2011.
  3. About Sacrococcygeal Teratoma (SCT). The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. http://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/sacrococcygeal-teratoma-sct/about#.VsTF7_krJhE. Accessed 1/22/2016.