Differential diagnosis of sonographically detected tumours in the fetal cervical region

Differential diagnosis of sonographically detected fetal neck tumours is difficult. The sonographic criteria for encephalomyelocele, lymphangioma/hygroma, teratoma, sarcoma, haemangioma, neuroblastoma and goitre are given on the basis of the authors' own observations and information from the literature. Elevation of alpha-fetoprotein in the amniotic fluid is a frequent but non-specific finding. Chromosome analysis after amniocentesis can be a useful supplementary procedure for assessing the prognosis and deciding upon the delivery procedure. Sonographic detection of a tumour in the fetal neck region enables preparations to be made for dystocia and postnatal dyspnoea of the newborn. The obstetrician must cooperate closely with paediatricians, neurologists, surgeons and ENT specialists.