Dr Leslie Gellman

Urachal Cancer

What is urachal cancer?

A growth of cancerous cells that starts in the urachus is called urachal cancer. 

What is the urachus? 

The urachus is a tube-like structure that forms in a developing embryo. It connects the umbilical cord to the urinary bladder before birth. After birth, the urachus usually shrinks into a small ligament. However, traces of the urachus (called urachal residues) can be detected in up to one-third of adults. Urachal residues usually do not cause any symptoms. 

Risk factors for urachal cancer.

 There is a risk of urachal cancer if part of the urachus or the whole urachus is present. Years of chronic inflammation and remodelling or possibly leftover embryologic cells 

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