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Definition

The presacral space is the area between the rectum and lowest part of your spine (sacrum). A tumor is a growth in this area. It is rare but can be malignant (cancer).

Sacral Area

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Causes

A presacral tumor may be caused by:

  • Congenital factors (present from birth)
  • Hereditary disorders (eg, Currarino syndrome)
  • Other forms of cancer that have spread

Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of a presacral tumor:

  • Gender: female
  • Age: 40-60 years

Symptoms

If you have any of these, do not assume it is due to a presacral tumor. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Talk to your doctor if you have:

  • Pain in the lower back or rectal/pelvic area
  • A feeling of heaviness
  • Constipation]]>
  • Overflow incontinence
  • Weight loss
In some cases, there are no symptoms.

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Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will also be done with a digital rectal exam. Other tests may include:

  • X-ray]]>—uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body to locate the site and size of the tumor
  • ]]>CT scan]]>—a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body
  • ]]>MRI scan]]>—a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body

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Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best 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.