Coccygeal Tumors Unveiled: Retrospective Cohort Analysis from a Tertiary referral Centre
Published Date: 13th August 2024
Publication Authors: Iyengar. KP
Background
Isolated tumours affecting the coccyx are infrequent, with only a handful of documented cases in the literature. Herein, we highlight the most extensive consecutive case series involving various isolated coccyx tumours with varied clinical presentations and imaging features.
Material and Methods
A retrospective search of our tertiary Orthopaedic oncology institute's oncology and Radiology database (Radiology Information System (RIS), Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) and Computerised Radiology Information System (CRIS) for the keyword ‘Coccyx’ and ‘Tumour’ was performed over 15 years (between December 2007 to August 2022).
Data collected was correlated with local histopathology and laboratory records. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics and complementary imaging findings were recorded for analysis.
Results
One hundred and three lesions originating in the coccyx with a mean age of 62 years (range 25 to 90 years) were identified. There was a male preponderance with 59 male and 44 female patients (1.3:1.0). The most typical tumour noted was chordoma. Other lesions included a dermoid cyst, a myxopapillary ependymoma, a notochordal remnant, an osteochondroma, an Ewings sarcoma and a teratoma.
Conclusion
Our analysis suggests that most of the tumours involving coccyx are chordomas with a few rarely encountered benign and malignant tumors. Radiological imaging plays a vital role in characterising isolated tumours affecting the coccyx and guiding appropriate patient management.
Advances in knowledge
This is the largest reported series of coccygeal tumours. Chordoma is the commonest coccygeal tumour. Patients with unexplained coccydynia should undergo detailed investigations, preferably with cross-sectional imaging.
Gavvala, SN; Iyengar, KP et al. (2024). Coccygeal Tumors Unveiled: Retrospective Cohort Analysis from a Tertiary referral Centre. British Journal of Radiology. epub 13 August.tqae148. [Online]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1093/bjr/tqae148 [Accessed 19 August 2024]
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