Urachal carcinoma

Urachal carcinoma is a rare form of cancer that originates from the urachus, a primitive structure that connects the bladder to the umbilicus during fetal development. This type of cancer is extremely rare, accounting for less than 1% of all bladder cancers.

Etiology

The exact cause of urachal carcinoma is unknown. However, it is believed to arise from the remnants of the urachus that persist after birth. These remnants can become malignant and develop into urachal carcinoma.

Symptoms

The symptoms of urachal carcinoma are often non-specific and can be easily mistaken for other conditions. Common symptoms include hematuria (blood in the urine), abdominal pain, and a palpable mass in the lower abdomen.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of urachal carcinoma can be challenging due to its rarity and non-specific symptoms. It is often diagnosed through a combination of imaging studies, such as computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and biopsy of the tumor.

Treatment

Treatment for urachal carcinoma typically involves surgery to remove the tumor and any affected surrounding tissue. This may be followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancer cells.

Prognosis

The prognosis for urachal carcinoma varies depending on the stage of the disease at diagnosis. Early-stage urachal carcinoma has a better prognosis than late-stage disease.

See also

• Bladder cancer
• Urachus
• Cancer