Pediatric malignant sacrococcygeal germ cell tumor with intraspinal extension

Abstract

Aims: The study aimed to evaluate the presentation, management, and outcome of patients of sacrococcygeal malignant germ cell tumors (SC-MGCTs) with intraspinal extension. Materials and Methods: Case records of all cases of SC-MGCT were reviewed to identify cases with intraspinal extension. They were evaluated in terms of their presentation, response to therapy, extent of surgical resection, recovery of neurological symptoms if any, and outcome. Results: Of the three cases of SC-MGT, two had intraspinal extension. One had Altman Type 3 disease and another had Altman Type 4 disease; both had Stage 4 disease. The intraspinal extension in both patients was detected on contrast computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging. One patient had bladder and bowel incontinence. All the tumors responded to preoperative chemotherapy. Gross complete local resection could be achieved in all patients. Neurological recovery was complete. All were alive with no recurrence on follow-up. Conclusions: Malignant sacrococcygeal GCTs with intraspinal extension are rare and can be managed with neoadjuvant chemotherapy which obviates the need for extensive exploration for excision and has got good neurological and oncological prognosis.

Keywords

• intraspinal extension
• malignant germ cell tumor
• sacrococcygeal tumors