Presacral Tumor

(Retrorectal Tumor)

Definition

The presacral space is the area between the rectum and lowest part of your spine, called the sacrum. A tumor is a growth in this area. It is rare but can be cancerous.
Sacral Area
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Causes

A presacral tumor may be caused by:
  • Factors that are present from birth
  • Hereditary disorders like Currarino syndrome
  • Cancer of the connective tissue
  • Other forms of cancer that have spread

Risk Factors

Women are more likely to develop this type of tumor.

Symptoms

In some cases, there are no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include:
  • Pain in the lower back or rectal/pelvic area
  • Pain that spreads to the lower extremities
  • A feeling of heaviness
  • Constipation
  • Overflow incontinence
  • Weight loss

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done, as well as a digital rectal exam.
Images of your bodily structures may be taken. This can be done with:

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. This will depend on the type of tumor you have. Treatment options include:
  • Surgery to remove the tumor
  • Chemotherapy —If the tumor is cancerous, chemotherapy may be used. This involves using drugs to kill cancer cells.
  • Radiation therapy—This may be used along with chemotherapy. Radiation therapy involves using radiation to kill cancer cells and to shrink tumors.

Prevention

There are no steps to prevent this condition.

RESOURCES

America Cancer Society http://www.cancer.org

American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons http://www.fascrs.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Cancer Society http://www.cancer.ca

Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada http://www.colorectal-cancer.ca

References

Coco C, Manno A, Mattana C, et al. Congenital tumors of the retrorectal space in the adult: report of two cases and review of the literature. Tumori . 2009;94:602-607.

Colorectal cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed . Updated March 27, 2013. Accessed April 2, 2013.

Pappalardo G, Frattaroli FM, Casciani E, et al. Retrorectal tumors: the choice of surgical approach based on a new classification. American Surgeon . 2009;75;3:240-248.

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