Human tail- a rare anatomical mystery: A case report

Abstract

Background: Human tails are rare entities and can be classified as true tails and pseudotails. True tails are composed of adipose tissue, connective tissue, muscles, vessels, nerves, and mechanoreceptors whereas pseudotails may be an anomalous prolongation of the coccygeal vertebra, lipoma, teratoma, chondrodystrophy or parasitic fetus. Case Presentation: A 3-month-old male baby had a tail like appendage since birth which was gradually increasing in size. After complete workup, an elective resection was done under general anesthesia. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. Conclusion: Surgical excision of the tail is the ultimate and may be the only surgical intervention required in these patients.

A True Human Tail In A Neonate Born In Saudi Arabia: A Case Report

“…The human tail is a rare congenital anomaly that manifests as a protruding midline lesion of the lumbosacrococcygeal region [ 1 ]. It is considered a vestigial remnant of the embryonic tail that normally regresses by the eighth week of gestation [ 2 ]. The etiology of the human tail is not fully understood, but it may be related to genetic or environmental factors [ 1 ].…”

“…The etiology of the human tail is not fully understood, but it may be related to genetic or environmental factors [ 1 ]. Human tails are classified into two types: true tails and pseudo tails [ 2 ]. True tails consist of skin, connective tissue, adipose tissue, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and mechanoreceptors, and they can exhibit spontaneous or reflex movements.…”