Saylor Thomson, a premature newborn, had a spine tumour removed that was nearly twice as big as hers. She is lucky to be alive.
Saylor was born with a two-kilogram sacrococcygeal teratoma, and doctors gave her little hope of surviving. However, she underwent a successful six-hour surgery at Brisbane’s Mater Mothers’ Hospital, and she is now improving every day.
Parents Rachel and Kieran Thomson have shared their story to give hope to others ahead of World Prematurity Day on November 17.
One in 40,000 live births results in a sacrococcygeal teratoma, a tumour that develops from the baby’s tailbone. The tumour changes the baby’s blood flow, increasing the risk of heart failure.
At 20 weeks pregnant, Rachel and Kieran were informed that their unborn child had a 25–40% chance of surviving.
Saylor, whose tumour weighed twice as much as her 1025-gram birth weight, was delivered three months early in August.
Thomson recalled, “I screamed violently when the social worker and surgeons initially convened to warn us she had little chance of making it owing to prematurity and the cancer.”
But it’s something unique to be able to hold Saylor in my arms and know that she has survived.
A group of 25 surgeons, neonatologists, anaesthetists, theatre personnel, nurses, and midwives were needed for the intricate procedure.
Sailesh Kumar, a subspecialist in the Mater Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit, claimed that Saylor’s tumour was the largest ever taken out of a baby of her size at the Mater Mothers’ Hospital.
Professor Kumar added, “We don’t know why the tumour grows, but it develops from embryonic germ cells and is four times more likely to happen in female children.
“Saylor’s tumour was incredibly big and intricate. She had a pelvic and abdominal extension of the tumour. Numerous of these infants die throughout the pregnancy.
Saylor, who was born three months ago, is doing well and becoming stronger every day.
Saylor is fortunate to be alive, according to Mater neonatologist Richard Mausling.
Even at 28 weeks, having a premature baby has potential hazards, according to Dr. Mausling.
“Without a doubt, this was the biggest teratoma I have seen removed from any newborn baby, regardless of gestation. “.
3 months early birth in Brisbane of a baby with a tumour twice her size
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