From prenatal diagnosis to postnatal outcomes: A 14-year tunisian tertiary centre experience with congenital solid tumors

Background Congenital tumors are highly heterogeneous, with challenging neonatal prognoses that depend on more than just malignancy. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic profiles of congenital tumors and identify risk factors for morbidity and mortality. Methods This descriptive, retrospective, single-center case series (2010–2023) at a tertiary referral center in Tunis included neonates (gestational age >26 weeks or birth weight >700g) diagnosed with congenital tumors. Vascular and lymphatic anomalies, as well as cystic masses, were excluded. Results We identified 32 cases (prevalence: 0.19 per 1,000 live births; sex ratio M:F: 0.68). Diagnoses included teratomas (n=19), rhabdomyomas (n=9), neuroblastomas (n=2), one rhabdoid tumor, and one hamartoma. Antenatal diagnosis was established in 66% of cases, showing 71% concordance with postnatal findings. Prematurity (31%) and perinatal asphyxia (19%) were common. Surgery was performed in 17 patients (53%), with a mean time to surgery of 58.2 days. The overall mortality rate was high at 47%, and tumor recurrence occurred in 9% of cases. Conclusion Managing neonatal tumors is complex and demands a multidisciplinary approach. Given the high mortality and recurrence rates, timely surgical intervention and rigorous long-term follow-up are critical to improving outcomes and the children's quality of life.