A presacral tumor is a rare type of tumor that develops in the area between the sacrum - the bone at the base of the spine - and the rectum. While these tumors are usually benign (not cancer), they can occasionally be malignant (cancerous). Their location often makes diagnosis difficult.
Symptoms
Presacral tumors can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Lower back pain
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Rectal bleeding
- Weight loss
Treatment
The main treatment for presacral tumors is surgery to remove the tumor.
Risk Factors
Most people who develop a presacral tumor have them at birth or are born with abnormalities that can grow into tumors. Having a family history of certain conditions like Currarino syndrome can also increase the risk.
Women are more likely than men to develop presacral tumors, especially in their 30s and 50s.