A well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (Grade I) arising in a tailgut cyst

ABSTRACT

Tailgut cysts are rare congenital lesions presenting as retrorectal space masses. They can occur in all age groups. Patients often present with ill-defined nonspecific symptoms and the diagnosis if often delayed. Malignancy arising in a tailgut cyst is an even rarer and unique occurrence. A precise diagnosis can be made only after complete excision and histopathological examination of the retrorectal space mass. We describe here a case of a 63-year-old male presenting with chronic constipation, who was diagnosed with a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (Grade I) arising in a tailgut cyst after surgical excision.