Urachal and Urethral Cancer (Excluding Penile Cancer)

The urachus usually seals off and gets obliterated by 12–13 weeks and is seen as a fibrous cord between the apex of the bladder and umbilicus. However its remnants can persist and become malignant tumours, the commonest being adenocarcinoma. Urachal cancer accounts for 0.01 % of all cancers but due to its silent course it is likely to be advanced at the time of presentation. The diagnosis is made by cystoscopic examination and advanced imaging by CT or MRI. In early cases urachectomy with excision of umbilicus is adequate in controlling the disease. Advanced cases may need chemotherapy.