A tailgut cyst is a rare, non-cancerous growth that develops in the area near the lower spine and rectum, in an area called the presacral space. It forms at birth from tissue that forms a tail in the womb and doesn't fully disappear.

## Symptoms

In most cases, a tailgut cyst doesn't cause any symptoms. If it does cause symptoms, they may include rectal pain, constipation, and pain while urinating.

A tailgut cyst can also become infected, leading to more serious symptoms. In rare cases, it can turn into cancer.

## Treatments

Surgery to completely remove the cyst is the main treatment for a tailgut cyst.

## Risk Factors

Women are much more likely to have a tailgut cyst than men. They also most commonly develop between the ages of 30 and 60 years old.

However, there are no known environmental or lifestyle risk factors for a tailgut cyst.



 

 ## Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

  department###  [Colon and Rectal Surgery](/departments/colon-and-rectal-surgery) 

 BMC’s colorectal surgeons offer cutting-edge surgical treatments for conditions that affect the colon, rectum, and anus, in coordinating with other specialists.