Baby Girl Born With a Massive Tumor in Her Neck and Mouth Faces an Extraordinary Fight for Survival

When baby Keisy Cruz Carbajal was born on November 10, 2015, her arrival presented doctors at Texas Children’s Hospital with an exceptionally complex medical challenge.

She had a massive congenital growth involving her neck, throat and mouth. Weighing approximately 1,050 grams, the unusual mass posed serious concerns for her airway and required highly specialized surgical care.

A Rare Discovery Before Birth

Keisy was diagnosed with an exceptionally rare cervical teratoma involving a condition known as fetus in fetu.

Teratomas are unusual tumors that can contain several types of tissue. In exceptionally rare cases, they may contain organized structures resembling parts of a developing fetus.

Keisy’s growth extended both inside and outside her throat and mouth, making her condition particularly complicated.

A Dangerous Challenge for Her Breathing

One of the greatest concerns for babies born with large head and neck tumors is airway obstruction.

Because these growths can occupy the mouth and throat, doctors must carefully prepare for delivery and ensure that the newborn can receive oxygen safely.

Keisy’s case required the expertise of specialists experienced in complex fetal and neonatal surgery.

A Medical Team Facing an Extraordinary Case

At Texas Children’s Hospital, specialists worked to address the challenges created by the unusually large mass.

Removing cervical teratomas can be particularly difficult because important blood vessels, nerves and airway structures are located close together in the neck.

Keisy’s case was among two exceptionally rare cervical teratoma cases highlighted by the hospital in its pediatric surgery publication.

A Remarkable Medical Story

The unusual nature of Keisy’s diagnosis demonstrates how complex congenital abnormalities can become before a baby takes her first breath.

Her case also highlights the importance of specialist fetal medicine, careful delivery planning and coordinated pediatric surgical care.

For families facing similar diagnoses, access to experienced medical teams can make a critical difference.

Source: Texas Children’s Hospital, Department of Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Newsletter, 2016.