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

INTRODUCTION: Teratomas of the sacrococcygeal area are usually diagnosed in infancy and are rarely seen in adults. CASE PRESENTATION: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.