Chronic constipation due to presacral teratoma in a 36-year-old woman: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Teratomas of the sacrococcygeal area are usually diagnosed in infancy and are rarely seen in adults.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report the case of a 36-year-old Greek woman experiencing chronic const...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Apostolidis Stylianos, Papadopoulos Vassilios N, Michalopoulos Antonios, Papavramidis Theodossis S, Paramythiotis Daniel, Televantou Despoina, Hytiroglou Prodromos
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2010-01-01
Series:Journal of Medical Case Reports
Online Access:http://www.jmedicalcasereports.com/content/4/1/23
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Summary:<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Teratomas of the sacrococcygeal area are usually diagnosed in infancy and are rarely seen in adults.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report the case of a 36-year-old Greek woman experiencing chronic constipation due to a benign presacral teratoma. Imaging examinations showed a pelvic mass without evidence of malignancy. An ovoid tumour with a maximum dimension of 6 cm was surgically removed. A histologic examination revealed a mature cystic teratoma. Two years after surgery, the patient is well, with no evidence of recurrence and no constipation.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Sacrococcygeal teratomas are rare in adults. A high index of suspicion is important in making an early diagnosis. Rectal examination and radiologic evaluation are also valuable.</p>
ISSN:1752-1947