Jundishapur Scientific Medical Journal

Jundishapur Scientific Medical Journal

Hairball Cyst in the Stomach of a 7-Year-Old Child with a One-Year History of Hair Eating

Document Type : Case Report

Authors
Mitra Ahmadi 1
Mehran Peyvasteh 2
Hoda Ilkhanipak 3
negar dinarvand 4
1 Assistant Professor of Pediatrics,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
2 Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
3 Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
4 Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
10.22118/jsmj.2025.497266.3782
Abstract
Background and Objectives Gastrointestinal (GI) bezoars are undigested masses primarily found in the stomach, but they may also be observed in other parts of the digestive tract. Trichobezoars, a rare type of bezoar, are predominantly seen in young girls and consist of a tightly compacted mass of ingested hair.
Case Presentation: This article presents a 7-year-old child who developed a hairball cyst in the stomach with clinical symptoms of gas expulsion, bloating, occasional nausea, and vomiting, along with a one-year history of hair-eating (trichophagia). The patient underwent surgery, and the trichobezoar was successfully removed. The patient was referred to a psychiatrist for evaluation and treatment of the underlying psychiatric disorder.
Conclusion Trichobezoar is a rare differential diagnosis that clinicians should consider in young female patients presenting with a palpable mass in the upper abdomen and nonspecific, vague clinical features. Optimal patient management requires not only the resection of the trichobezoar but also a comprehensive approach to the underlying psychosocial disorder. This involves mandatory long-term counseling and rigorous psychological assessment during follow-up to prevent recurrence.
Keywords
Bezoar
Trichobezoar
Trichophagia
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 01 January 2025
  • Revise Date 26 July 2025
  • Accept Date 28 September 2025