pilonidal sinus/fistula

Pathology

• a fistula or pit in the sacral region (gluteal cleft), containing a hair which may act as a foreign body producing chronic inflammation
• it is thought to be initiated by the penetration of hair beneath the skin
• a cyst, abscess or sinus tract may occur

Differential diagnosis:

• pilonidal cyst
• pilonidal abscess
• anorectal fistula

More general terms

• fistula
• pilonidal disease

Additional terms

• pilonidal cyst