Minimal Spinal Dysraphism vs. Coccygeal Teratoma

Minimal Spinal Dysraphism vs. Coccygeal Teratoma

Left picture: Here, a minimal spinal dysraphism is present, or a myelomeningocele with lipoma. Right picture: Here, the diagnosis is a coccygeal teratoma in a newborn girl. For both diagnoses the general clinical examination is useful in addition to the described local findings (shape and consistency of the mass, skin tag versus inconspicuous surface of the skin). Left picture: In the picture at the bottom on the left leg a neurogenic clubfoot with a plaster is present. Right picture: The mass continues asymmetrically in the left buttock and displaces the anus; its origin is the coccygeal region; for that, compare it with the picture at the bottom of the same side. Both pathologies are surgical; however, the coccygeal teratoma must be operated immediately after birth because of possibly already present malignant components or because of a later malignant degeneration.

Left picture: The male newborn exhibits a large mass over the sacrum which is smooth and solid on palpation. At the top a tail-like appendage is recognizable. Right picture: This mass has a similar localization; it is more protruding and solid as well as tense or cystic on palpation.