Doctors removed a large teratoma from TiLiyah Dawson’s daughter, Tyra, after it was detected before birth; the tumor was not cancerous. Now 2, Tyra has had her tracheostomy and feeding tube removed and is beginning to learn to talk, Dawson told Newsweek.
By delivery, the tumor had grown significantly, and doctors said a vaginal birth could cause severe internal damage. Dawson was transferred to an Augusta hospital for a cesarean under anesthesia. Dawson said the tumor left Tyra’s airways floppy, so doctors placed a tracheostomy to keep them open and a feeding tube to help her eat. The article says teratomas affect roughly one in 35,000 to 40,000 births.
Dawson said Tyra underwent surgery in January to close the small opening in her neck, but it remains open and is expected to close soon. Tyra continues to have checkups and speech therapy.
