Abstract

Background: Congenital tumors form a unique group among pediatric neoplasms. They are different from other tumor groups in this population, not only as a result of the onset time but also because of their histopathology, anatomic location, biologic behavior, and prognosis. The development of imaging methods allowed early diagnosis and treatment follow-up of these tumors.
Material/Methods: Eighteen children were included in the study group. Fifteen of them (8 girls, 7 boys) had 16 congenital tumors detected, whereas in the remaining 3, tumors were initially suspected, but finally not confirmed. Only cases diagnosed prenatally or in the first month of life and confirmed with histopathology were included. Prenatally ultrasonographic (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) examinations were performed. Additionally, after labor computed tomography (CT) examinations were performed.
Results: Eight congenital tumors (50%) have been found prenatally. Extracranial teratomas (31.3%) were the dominant type, followed by neuroblastomas deriving from the adrenal gland (12.5%), primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors (craniopharyngioma arising from the suprasellar region and choroid plexus carcinoma [6.3% each]), and lymphangiomas of the neck (12.5%). Hemangiopericytoma of the neck, malignant mesenchymoma of the sacrococcygeal region, congenital leukemia, mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver, and nephroblastoma (Wilms tumor), rarely reported in this age group, constituted the remainder (6.3% each).
Conclusions: The prevalence and imaging features of most congenital tumors included in our study correlate with the available literature reports and reviews. The exemptions are primary brain tumors, among which the typical intracranial teratoma was not diagnosed, whereas 2 cases of rarely encountered neoplasms were reported: craniopharyngioma and choroid plexus carcinoma. Wilms tumor reported in our study group is extremely rare among congenital tumors.

Keywords: congenital tumors, (prenatal) magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, Ultrasonography