Trichobezoar: an uncommon pediatric problem.

Trichobezoar, the "hair-ball" occasionally found in the stomach of emotionally disturbed adults, particularly women, is an uncommon finding in the pediatric age group. The diagnosis often rests on the suspicion of the alert physician since most patients will not volunteer information about swallowing hair. The presence of a palpable upper abdominal mass associated with progressive intolerance to food, with weight loss and with weakness, and the roentgenographic appearance of a mass after a barium meal confirms suspicion. Treatment consists of laparotomy and gastrotomy to permit removal of the foreign material. Psychiatric assistance should be sought.