The outcome of solid tumours occurring in the neonatal period

Sixty-six solid neoplasms occurring in neonates treated at the Red Cross Childrens Hospital over a 34-year period (1957–1991) were reviewed and recalled for long-term follow-up (mean 10.4 years). Associated congenital abnormalities were rare, but chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 3 patients, one of which was familial. Teratomatous germ-cell tumours predominated, followed by neuroblastomas and soft-tissue tumours; 23 had malignant morphologic appearances and 43 were morphologically non-malignant. Seventy-nine per cent presented within the 1st week of life, 41% of these within the first 24 h. Although most sacrococcygeal teratomatous germ-cell tumours were benign, malignancy was present in 2 patients (1 of these presented during the 1st week of life). A further 11 sacrococcygeal teratomas were found on light microscopy to include immature elements and had unpredictable clinical behaviour; 2 of these later metastasized despite adequate surgical clearance.