ABSTRACT
Presacral tumors are uncommon lesions that can be difficult to diagnose because of
their nonspecific presenting signs and symptoms. Cross-sectional imaging is essential
in evaluating these lesions to determine the optimal surgical approach and the extent
of resection. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment as it establishes the diagnosis
and prevents the adverse consequences associated with malignant degeneration and secondary
bacterial infection. The outcomes for patients with benign presacral tumors are favorable.
Although there have been substantial improvements in the prognosis of patients with
malignant presacral tumors, the development of newer adjuvant therapies are likely
to further improve the oncologic outcomes of malignant presacral tumors such as chordomas
and sarcomas.
KEYWORDS
Presacral tumors - management - diagnosis - surgery - prognosis
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Imran HassanM.D.
Department of Surgery, Section of Colorectal Surgery, SIU School of Medicine
701 North Rutledge, P.O. Box 19638, Springfield, IL 62794
Email: ihassan@siumed.edu