A report of presacral epidermoid cyst in perimenopausal women: An extremely rare site and an unusual cause of chronic constipation

Abstract

BackgroundEpidermoid cyst is rare congenital lesion of ectodermal origin that arises from the remnants of the embryonic tissues. Although epidermal cysts are frequently observed throughout the body, they are rarely found in the presacral regions. It more commonly occurs in women of reproductive age as an asymptomatic, incidental finding during routine physical examination or imaging studies, or during obstetric and gynecologic events. Case presentationA 48-year-old female patient presented with intermittent constipation, lower abdominal and pelvic pain that had developed progressively during the previous six months, which was temporarily relieved with regular laxatives. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a presacral cystic tumor with a high signal intensity on T1-weighted images and, low signal on T2-weighted images with no significant enhancement post-contrast administration. The mass pushed the rectum laterally by external compression. This tumor was diagnosed as a developmental cyst, and total mass resection with negative margins was performed. After that, tumor was histopathologically diagnosed as an epidermoid cyst. Discussion and conclusionEpidermoid cyst is a common entity but is rare at presacral space. Also, an epidermoid cyst is an uncommon entity among cystic pathologies found in the presacral region, which includes benign and malignant pathologies. Due to the potential of subsequent infection or cancer, a meticulous clinical examination with correlated radiographic imaging, followed by total mass excision and histopathological evaluation are crucial.