Learn about the special type of bladder cancer, urachal carcinoma

There are many types of bladder cancer, and urachal carcinoma is a more special type. Its origin is different from the bladder urothelium. It mainly originates from the outer layer of the bladder and gradually invades the inner layer of the bladder. As the tumor continues to grow, it can metastasize to organs such as the lymph nodes, liver, lungs, and bones.

What is the urachal tube

The urachus appears in the embryonic period. It is a structure located between the top of the bladder and the navel. It passes through the transverse abdominal fascia and the peritoneum. After the fetus is born, it gradually degenerates into a fibrous cord from the navel to the top of the bladder. The urachus is generally about 5 cm long and can be divided into three sections: the inner section of the bladder mucosa, the inner section of the bladder muscle wall, and the upper section of the bladder. If the urachus is not closed after birth, urachal fistula, urachal cyst, and urachal tumor may occur.

Symptoms of urachal cancer

Primary urachal cancer mostly originates from the urachal tube outside the bladder wall near its top. Patients may not experience any symptoms in the early stages. As the tumor expands and invades the top of the bladder until the bladder mucosa, patients will experience symptoms such as frequent urination, hematuria, and chyluria. Patients are generally diagnosed through these symptoms.

The specific manifestations of urachal cancer are related to the location of the tumor. If the tumor is located at the distal end of the urachal tube, hematuria and dysuria may occur when the tumor gradually compresses and perforates the bladder, and bladder irritation symptoms may worsen after infection. Tumors located in the middle part of the urachal tube may invade the abdominal wall, and the patient may experience abdominal pain or feel a lump in the lower abdomen. When the tumor located at the proximal end of the urachal tube ruptures, mucous or bloody fluid may flow out of the navel.