Urachal cancer: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Urachal cancer | |||
| image = [[File:Urachal_carcinoma_-_high_mag.jpg|alt=Micrograph of urachal carcinoma]] | |||
| caption = Micrograph of urachal carcinoma | |||
| field = [[Oncology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Hematuria]], [[abdominal pain]], [[urinary tract infection]] | |||
| complications = [[Metastasis]], [[bladder cancer]] | |||
| onset = Typically in [[adulthood]] | |||
| duration = Chronic | |||
| types = [[Adenocarcinoma]], [[squamous cell carcinoma]], [[transitional cell carcinoma]] | |||
| causes = [[Genetic mutations]], [[environmental factors]] | |||
| risks = [[Smoking]], [[family history]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Cystoscopy]], [[CT scan]], [[MRI]], [[biopsy]] | |||
| differential = [[Bladder cancer]], [[urinary tract infection]], [[cystitis]] | |||
| treatment = [[Surgery]], [[chemotherapy]], [[radiation therapy]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, depends on stage and treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|A rare type of cancer originating from the urachus}} | {{Short description|A rare type of cancer originating from the urachus}} | ||
[[File:UrC CDX2 200x.tif|Urachal cancer|thumb|left]] | |||
'''Urachal cancer''' is a rare form of [[cancer]] that arises from the [[urachus]], a vestigial remnant of the [[allantois]] that connects the [[bladder]] to the [[umbilicus]] during fetal development. This type of cancer is most commonly found in adults and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to its asymptomatic nature in the early stages. | '''Urachal cancer''' is a rare form of [[cancer]] that arises from the [[urachus]], a vestigial remnant of the [[allantois]] that connects the [[bladder]] to the [[umbilicus]] during fetal development. This type of cancer is most commonly found in adults and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to its asymptomatic nature in the early stages. | ||
==Anatomy and Physiology== | ==Anatomy and Physiology== | ||
The [[urachus]] is a fibrous cord that is a remnant of the [[allantois]], which is part of the [[fetal]] urinary tract. During fetal development, the urachus connects the [[bladder]] to the [[umbilical cord]], allowing urine to drain from the bladder into the amniotic sac. After birth, the urachus typically obliterates and becomes the [[median umbilical ligament]]. However, in some individuals, remnants of the urachus persist, which can lead to the development of urachal abnormalities, including urachal cancer. | The [[urachus]] is a fibrous cord that is a remnant of the [[allantois]], which is part of the [[fetal]] urinary tract. During fetal development, the urachus connects the [[bladder]] to the [[umbilical cord]], allowing urine to drain from the bladder into the amniotic sac. After birth, the urachus typically obliterates and becomes the [[median umbilical ligament]]. However, in some individuals, remnants of the urachus persist, which can lead to the development of urachal abnormalities, including urachal cancer. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
Urachal cancer is believed to arise from [[metaplasia]] of the epithelial cells lining the urachus. The most common histological type of urachal cancer is [[adenocarcinoma]], which accounts for approximately 90% of cases. Other types include [[squamous cell carcinoma]] and [[transitional cell carcinoma]]. The cancer typically presents as a mass at the dome of the bladder and can invade surrounding structures. | Urachal cancer is believed to arise from [[metaplasia]] of the epithelial cells lining the urachus. The most common histological type of urachal cancer is [[adenocarcinoma]], which accounts for approximately 90% of cases. Other types include [[squamous cell carcinoma]] and [[transitional cell carcinoma]]. The cancer typically presents as a mass at the dome of the bladder and can invade surrounding structures. | ||
==Clinical Presentation== | ==Clinical Presentation== | ||
Patients with urachal cancer may present with nonspecific symptoms such as [[hematuria]] (blood in the urine), [[abdominal pain]], or a palpable mass. Due to the deep location of the urachus, symptoms often do not appear until the cancer is advanced. Some patients may also experience [[urinary tract infections]] or [[mucusuria]] (mucus in the urine). | Patients with urachal cancer may present with nonspecific symptoms such as [[hematuria]] (blood in the urine), [[abdominal pain]], or a palpable mass. Due to the deep location of the urachus, symptoms often do not appear until the cancer is advanced. Some patients may also experience [[urinary tract infections]] or [[mucusuria]] (mucus in the urine). | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
The diagnosis of urachal cancer involves a combination of imaging studies and histological examination. [[Ultrasound]], [[CT scan]], and [[MRI]] are commonly used to visualize the tumor and assess its extent. A [[cystoscopy]] may be performed to evaluate the bladder and obtain a biopsy of the tumor. Histological examination of the biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of cancer. | The diagnosis of urachal cancer involves a combination of imaging studies and histological examination. [[Ultrasound]], [[CT scan]], and [[MRI]] are commonly used to visualize the tumor and assess its extent. A [[cystoscopy]] may be performed to evaluate the bladder and obtain a biopsy of the tumor. Histological examination of the biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of cancer. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
The primary treatment for urachal cancer is surgical resection. A procedure known as a [[partial cystectomy]] is often performed, which involves removing the tumor along with a portion of the bladder. In some cases, a [[radical cystectomy]] may be necessary. [[Chemotherapy]] and [[radiation therapy]] may be used as adjunctive treatments, particularly in cases where the cancer has metastasized or is not amenable to complete surgical resection. | The primary treatment for urachal cancer is surgical resection. A procedure known as a [[partial cystectomy]] is often performed, which involves removing the tumor along with a portion of the bladder. In some cases, a [[radical cystectomy]] may be necessary. [[Chemotherapy]] and [[radiation therapy]] may be used as adjunctive treatments, particularly in cases where the cancer has metastasized or is not amenable to complete surgical resection. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis for urachal cancer depends on the stage at diagnosis and the completeness of surgical resection. Early-stage cancers that are completely resected have a better prognosis, while advanced-stage cancers with metastasis have a poorer outcome. Regular follow-up is essential to monitor for recurrence. | The prognosis for urachal cancer depends on the stage at diagnosis and the completeness of surgical resection. Early-stage cancers that are completely resected have a better prognosis, while advanced-stage cancers with metastasis have a poorer outcome. Regular follow-up is essential to monitor for recurrence. | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Bladder cancer]] | * [[Bladder cancer]] | ||
* [[Adenocarcinoma]] | * [[Adenocarcinoma]] | ||
* [[Cystectomy]] | * [[Cystectomy]] | ||
* [[Hematuria]] | * [[Hematuria]] | ||
[[Category:Urological cancers]] | [[Category:Urological cancers]] | ||
[[Category:Rare cancers]] | [[Category:Rare cancers]] | ||
[[Category:Oncology]] | [[Category:Oncology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 14:31, 9 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Urachal cancer | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Hematuria, abdominal pain, urinary tract infection |
| Complications | Metastasis, bladder cancer |
| Onset | Typically in adulthood |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | Adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, transitional cell carcinoma |
| Causes | Genetic mutations, environmental factors |
| Risks | Smoking, family history |
| Diagnosis | Cystoscopy, CT scan, MRI, biopsy |
| Differential diagnosis | Bladder cancer, urinary tract infection, cystitis |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, depends on stage and treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
A rare type of cancer originating from the urachus
Urachal cancer is a rare form of cancer that arises from the urachus, a vestigial remnant of the allantois that connects the bladder to the umbilicus during fetal development. This type of cancer is most commonly found in adults and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to its asymptomatic nature in the early stages.
Anatomy and Physiology[edit]
The urachus is a fibrous cord that is a remnant of the allantois, which is part of the fetal urinary tract. During fetal development, the urachus connects the bladder to the umbilical cord, allowing urine to drain from the bladder into the amniotic sac. After birth, the urachus typically obliterates and becomes the median umbilical ligament. However, in some individuals, remnants of the urachus persist, which can lead to the development of urachal abnormalities, including urachal cancer.
Pathophysiology[edit]
Urachal cancer is believed to arise from metaplasia of the epithelial cells lining the urachus. The most common histological type of urachal cancer is adenocarcinoma, which accounts for approximately 90% of cases. Other types include squamous cell carcinoma and transitional cell carcinoma. The cancer typically presents as a mass at the dome of the bladder and can invade surrounding structures.
Clinical Presentation[edit]
Patients with urachal cancer may present with nonspecific symptoms such as hematuria (blood in the urine), abdominal pain, or a palpable mass. Due to the deep location of the urachus, symptoms often do not appear until the cancer is advanced. Some patients may also experience urinary tract infections or mucusuria (mucus in the urine).
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of urachal cancer involves a combination of imaging studies and histological examination. Ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI are commonly used to visualize the tumor and assess its extent. A cystoscopy may be performed to evaluate the bladder and obtain a biopsy of the tumor. Histological examination of the biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of cancer.
Treatment[edit]
The primary treatment for urachal cancer is surgical resection. A procedure known as a partial cystectomy is often performed, which involves removing the tumor along with a portion of the bladder. In some cases, a radical cystectomy may be necessary. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used as adjunctive treatments, particularly in cases where the cancer has metastasized or is not amenable to complete surgical resection.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for urachal cancer depends on the stage at diagnosis and the completeness of surgical resection. Early-stage cancers that are completely resected have a better prognosis, while advanced-stage cancers with metastasis have a poorer outcome. Regular follow-up is essential to monitor for recurrence.
