Tail gut cyst : an unusual case

Tail gut cysts are rare with reports estimating the incidence at one in 40 000-63 000 admissions to large referral centres. Always found in the presacral space, these cysts are remnants of hind gut and can comprise different types of epithelium, including stratified squamous and transitional. The majority of these are asymptomatic and can be easily missed on routine clinical examination. Pain as a presenting symptom should raise suspicion of malignancy. These cysts are detected earlier in females than males due to frequent gynaecological check ups. They are almost always palpable on rectal examination.