A pilonidal cyst is a cyst that develops along the tailbone (coccyx) near the cleft of the buttocks. These cysts usually contain hair and skin debris. The term pilonidal is derived from the Latin words pilus (hair) and nidus (nest). Individuals with a pilonidal cyst may not have any symptoms at all (termed asymptomatic), whereas others may develop an infection of the cyst with associated pain and inflammation.
Pilonidal cysts occur more frequently in men than in women and usually occur between the ages of 15 to 24. Pilonidal cysts are uncommon after the age of 40.
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