Breakthrough Diagnosis: Redcliffe Labs Resolves Rare Tailgut Cyst Case to Put an End to Years of Misguided Treatment

• The case report has been published in the Indian Journal of Case Reports, contributing to medical literature on rare congenital lesions.
• The groundbreaking diagnosis highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and clinical suspicion in managing persistent and unusual medical conditions.

India, 22nd July 2025: Redcliffe Labs, a purpose-driven pan-India omnichannel diagnostics service provider, has diagnosed a rare case of a subcutaneous tailgut cyst in a 37-year-old female patient. This groundbreaking case report has been published in the Indian Journal of Case Reports, highlighting the importance of histopathological evaluation in identifying uncommon congenital anomalies that mimic more common conditions. The diagnosis was led by Dr. Mayanka Seth, Consultant Pathologist at Redcliffe Labs and her team.
Subcutaneous tailgut cysts are rare congenital growths that develop from remnants of the embryonic gut. They usually appear deep in the pelvis, but in this case, the cyst formed just under the skin near the tailbone, an extremely unusual presentation that led to repeated misdiagnoses. The concerned patient had been living with a painful, discharging lesion in the lower back (sacrococcyx region) for more than eight years. Despite undergoing multiple incisions and drainage (I&D) surgical procedures, her condition did not improve. She continued to experience pain, swelling, and occasional discharge, without any issues related to digestion or bowel movement.

Upon evaluation, initial assumptions suggested common conditions, such as an infected sinus or abscess. However, closer examination showed that the lesion was unusually deep and not connected to the anal canal, prompting further investigation and surgical removal. The cyst was surgically removed and histopathological examination in the lab confirmed it was a rare tailgut cyst, based on the type of cells and tissue structure found inside.

After complete surgical removal of the cyst, the patient experienced major relief from her long-standing symptoms and reported significant improvement in her quality of life. This case serves as a crucial reminder to consider rare congenital lesions in the differential diagnosis of chronic sacrococcygeal conditions, particularly when conventional treatments are unsuccessful.

Dr. Mayanka Seth, Consultant Pathologist at Redcliffe Labs said,  “Subcutaneous tailgut cysts are extremely rare and can easily be mistaken for more common conditions in the sacrococcygeal region. In this case, the lesion had been misdiagnosed and left untreated for years. It highlights the importance of considering rare possibilities, even in patients without obvious symptoms. A correct diagnosis often depends on the right combination of clinical judgment and pathology. When used together, they can guide timely decisions and lead to effective treatment, especially in complex or persistent cases.”

This case underscores the significance of advanced diagnostics and the necessity of considering alternative diagnoses when patients fail to respond to standard treatment. It also adds to the limited medical literature on this rare condition, helping other doctors across the country and globally to consider similar possibilities in unexplained cases.

Redcliffe Labs continues to play a leading role in offering advanced diagnostic services while contributing to clinical knowledge through real-world case insights. Backed by a team of experienced specialists and a strong diagnostic network, they are helping shape the future of healthcare in India through innovation and patient-focused care.