[Diagnosis and treatment of sacrococcygeal teratoma in adults: analysis of 17 cases].

Objective: To investigate the diagnosis and treatment of sacrococcygeal teratoma in adults.
Methods: The clinical data of 17 patients with sacrococcygeal teratoma confirmed by pathological examination, 9 males and 8 females, aged 20 - 53, were analyzed retrospectively.
Result: Correct diagnosis was made pre-operatively in 13 of the 17 patients. Two cases were misdiagnosed as with leiomyoma, and 2 cases as with sacrococcygeal cyst. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of teratoma in all 17 cases. Thirteen patients were followed up for 1 - 5 years post-operatively. Malignant change was seen in 1 case, and 1 patient died 1 year after operation. Two patients suffered a relapse and then fully recovered after re-operation, and the other 15 patients all recovered without relapse.
Conclusion: Sacrococcygeal teratoma in adults usually has no typical clinical symptom and signs and is often misdiagnosed. The pathologic examination is the base to make a definite diagnosis. Complete excision is necessary to prevent local recurrence and potential malignant transformation. The sacrococcygeal approach or combined abdominal-sacral approach is recommended.