Objective: To describe our clinical experience with congenital teratomas of the head and neck.
Study design: A retrospective review of the six patients as well as a review of the literature in the setting of academic referral centers.
Methods: In six infants with teratomas, four in the cervical region and two arising from the nasopharynx, surgical excision of all tumors was performed. Outcome measures were clinical and radiographic follow-up and the use of a-fetoprotein (AFP) for postoperative monitoring.
Results: There was no recurrence of teratomas.
Conclusions: Surgical excision is the treatment for congenital teratomas. Postoperative monitoring for recurrences should include AFP levels in difficult cases.