What is Urachal Adenocarcinoma?
Urachal Adenocarcinoma is a rare cancer that usually develops in the dome of the bladder, urachus and accounts for 0.35% to 0.7% of all bladder cancers. The bladder is a muscle sac that stores urine; it is located in the pelvis and also controls the frequency of urination. In 40-50% cases, it can recur locally after treatment. Urachal adenocarcinoma is a high-grade tumour and in 15% of patients can spread to the distant parts of the body. The most common sites of distant metastasis (spread of the tumour to the distant parts of the body) are lymph nodes, lungs, abdomen, and liver
Disease Epidemiology
It accounts for 0.35% to 0.7% of all bladder cancers. The average age at diagnosis is 52 years, ranging from 26 to 68 years. According to the clinical data of 67 cases of dome based bladder cancers, it is slightly more prevalent in men than in women.
Disease Etiology (Cause)
The urachus is an embryological remnant of the urinary and genital sinus that connects the bladder to the umbilicus during the life of the fetus, later it became the umbilical cord and is no longer part of the adult bladder. But in some individuals, it remains as a residue and develops into a cyst or tumour.
Signs and Symptoms
The patient may suffer from the following signs and symptoms. These are
- A palpable (felt able) pelvic mass
- Urinary retention (it is impossible to empty the bladder completely
- Passage of blood or blood particles in urine
- Blood spotting from the vagina or urethra
- Pain at the perineum (pelvis)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Night sweats
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic tests and procedures can be used to make a diagnosis. These are
- Urine complete examination (UCE) to detect any urinary tract infection and blood in the urine
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Renal Function Test (RFT’s) to check the serum urea and creatinine
- Liver function tests (LFT’s)
- Imaging techniques like CT-abdomen and pelvis, USG abdomen and pelvis, MRI, CT-chest, and X-ray to assess the site, size, extent, and distant metastasis of the tumour.
- Cystoscopy; is similar to an ultrasound examination of the urinary bladder, which allows direct visualization of the ureter with cystoscopy.
- Urinary cytology; is a microscopic examination of the cells present in urine and their characteristics.
- Tumour biopsy and histopathological examination
Treatment
Partial surgical removal of the bladder with resection (cutting off the tumour or diseased part and rejoining the reaming healthy part of the organ or tissue to keep it functional) of the umbilical ligament is the main treatment option. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are the treatment options along with surgery.
What Support can we Give for Urachal Adenocarcinoma?
Urachal Adenocarcinoma is a rare cancer, meaning it is not as well known as other forms of cancer. Without a Ribbon is an Australian organisation that provides support for individuals who suffer from rare cancers. So, we provide a designated platform for Warriors to obtain information specific to their Rare Cancer. We also provide annual opportunities for our Warriors to meet and learn from each other. If you suffer from rare cancer such as Urachal Adenocarcinoma, we can help and support you through your journey thanks to the generous donations we receive. Click the link below to sign up and become a Warrior today!
You can help us with your donation:
Without a Ribbon is a charity that works hard to aid those who suffer from rare cancers. You can help our cause in a variety of ways:
