Sacrococcygeal tumors: Clinical characteristics and outcome of pediatric patients treated at South Egypt Cancer Institute. A retrospective analysis

BackgroundSacrococcygeal tumors (SCT) are relatively uncommon tumors affecting neonates, infants and children. The aim of this article is to clarify any special characterizations in natural history, clinical presentation and outcome of such tumors treated at South Egypt Cancer Institute, the only research center located in South Egypt.MethodsA retrospective analysis of children with SCT treated at the Pediatric Oncology department South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University between 2004 and 2010.ResultsNineteen children were included in the study. Age ranged between 10 days and 5 years. All but three had sacral mass at presentation. AFP levels ranged between normal age-related levels and 217,200 ng/ml. Initial resection was possible in 11, while eight patients with clinical suggestion of advanced malignant disease were inoperable. They received initial chemotherapy followed by delayed surgery. Yolk sac tumor (YST) was reported in 52.9% of patients. Recurrence was reported in 5 patients (3 mature teratomas and 2 YST). Five-year OS and RFS rates of patients who had malignant disease were 81.8% and 77.8% respectively.ConclusionsOlder age and delay in presentation that resulted in predominance of extensive disease and malignant transformation at presentation were the main challenges we faced in managing patients with SCT in our locality.