Tailgut cyst with adenocarcinoma transition: A rare case report

Abstract

Rationale:Tailgut cyst (TGC) is a rare congenital disease that originates from residues of the tail intestine during the embryonic period. Most TGCs are benign lesions and the malignant transition is very rare.Patient concerns:A 50-year-old woman attended our department complaining of defecation difficulty for more than 2 months. She reported irregular defecation with a small amount of liquid stool, 3 to 4 times per day.Diagnosis:Biochemical analysis showed high levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (79.89=ng/mL; normal, 0-3=ng/mL) and carbohydrate antigen 199 (57.60=U/mL; normal, 0-35=U/mL). Abdominal computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a large cystic mass with enhanced signals. Post-surgical histopathology indicated that the mass was a TGC with adenocarcinoma transition.Interventions:The cyst was completely resected. Symptomatic treatment was further performed, and the patient recovered well.Lessons:We reported a rare case of a large TGC with adenocarcinoma transition. CT, MRI, and histopathology are important to diagnose TGC. Complete surgical resection is the first choice to treat TGC.