Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: October 6, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Pre-sacral Mass in a 3-year-old Female

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Sacroccoccygeal Teratoma (SCT): This is the most common diagnosis for a pre-sacral mass in a child, especially given the age and location. SCTs are congenital tumors that can grow to a significant size and may be detected prenatally or shortly after birth.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Neuroblastoma: Although more commonly associated with the adrenal glands, neuroblastoma can also arise from sympathetic nervous system tissues in the pelvis, presenting as a pre-sacral mass.
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma: A type of soft tissue sarcoma that can occur in various parts of the body, including the pelvis, and present as a mass.
  • Pelvic Neurofibroma: Part of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), these benign nerve sheath tumors can occur anywhere along the nervous system, including the pre-sacral area.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Malignant Germ Cell Tumor: Although less common, these tumors can be aggressive and require prompt treatment. Their presence in the pre-sacral area, though rare, necessitates consideration due to their potential for malignancy.
  • Ewing's Sarcoma: A highly malignant bone tumor that can occasionally present in the pelvis and could be mistaken for a soft tissue mass.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Chordoma: A rare, slow-growing malignant tumor that originates from the notochord, often found in the sacrum or coccyx, which could present as a pre-sacral mass.
  • Meningeal Cyst: A rare congenital anomaly that can present as a pre-sacral mass due to herniation of the meninges through a defect in the sacrum or coccyx.
  • Anterior Sacral Meningocele: A rare condition where there is a herniation of the meninges through a defect in the anterior aspect of the sacrum, which can present as a pre-sacral mass.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.