Published online Oct 26, 2022. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i30.11139
Peer-review started: June 25, 2022
First decision: August 1, 2022
Revised: August 9, 2022
Accepted: September 20, 2022
Article in press: September 20, 2022
Published online: October 26, 2022
Processing time: 117 Days and 17.4 Hours
Perirectal epidermoid cysts are rare masses arising from the ectodermal germ cell layer of the hindgut and are predominantly found in middle-aged women. It is often difficult to make an accurate diagnosis of these cysts and it is equally challenging to distinguish it from other developmental cysts.
We report the case of an 18-year-old female patient with a perirectal mass who presented to the hospital with constipation. The patient experienced sacrococcygeal falls and burns on the left buttocks during growth. Three-dimensional computed tomography scans indicated abnormal sacral vertebrae with the sacral canal partially enlarged and opened. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging showed a 55 mm × 40 mm × 35 mm unilocular cystic mass in the perirectal space and a solitary sinus in the left ischiorectal fossa. The cyst was completely resected posteriorly using the sacrococcygeal approach. The pathology was verified to be an epidermoid cyst. The patient remained recurrence-free after 6 mo of follow-up.
Successful treatment of perirectal epidermoid cysts depends on comprehensive evaluation. This is significant for the surgical approach and prognosis.
Core Tip: Perirectal cystic mass is a rare congenital developmental abnormality. An 18-year-old female was found with a perirectal mass due to defecation difficulties. She had suffered from sacrococcygeal falls and burns on the left buttocks during the growth experience. We performed a complete preoperative evaluation of this patient. Three-dimensional computed tomography scans showed that there was no damage to the sacral surface bone. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging showed that the perirectal mass had a complete membrane without enhancement signs and no potential connection with the perianal sinus and sacral canal. Finally, the mass was completely removed through the sacrococcygeal approach and verified as an epidermoid cyst in histology. This case highlights the need to improve evaluation in the differential diagnosis of perirectal mass.