Urachal Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Urachal Cancer?
Urachal cancer is usually treated by a urologist rather than a gastroenterologist, since urologists specialize in the urinary system and perform the surgery. Some patients also see a medical oncologist, and a regular doctor often helps coordinate visits. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Urachal cancer is a rare cancer that starts in the urachus, a small tube connecting the bladder to the belly button before birth. When this tube does not close all the way after birth, cells inside it can sometimes grow into cancer years later.
Symptoms
Urachal cancer often does not cause symptoms early on. Symptoms can include blood in the urine, pain in the lower belly, a lump near the belly button, or mucus in the urine. These symptoms can also come from more common problems.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors do not know exactly what causes urachal cancer. It is linked to urachal tissue that never fully closed after birth. It is very rare, tends to affect adults, and appears more often in men than in women.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors often start with a urine test to check for blood or abnormal cells. CT or MRI scans can show a growth near the top of the bladder. A cystoscopy lets a doctor look inside the bladder and take a tissue sample.
Treatment
The main treatment is surgery to remove the tumor, and sometimes part or all of the bladder. Many patients also receive chemotherapy. Because urachal cancer is rare, a team of specialists often plans treatment.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you notice blood in your urine, even once. Pain in the lower belly, a lump near the belly button, or mucus in the urine also deserve a check, even though they usually have common causes.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type can order tests, treat simple causes like bladder infections, and refer serious findings to a urologist.
Common questions
Is urachal cancer the same as bladder cancer?
It is closely related but not exactly the same. Urachal cancer starts in leftover tissue from the urachus, while most bladder cancers start in the cells lining the bladder itself. Urachal cancer is much rarer and is treated differently in some ways.
Is urachal cancer hereditary?
There is no strong evidence that urachal cancer runs in families. Doctors generally do not consider it an inherited condition. People with questions about family cancer risk can talk with a doctor or a genetic counselor, a trained expert in inherited health conditions.
Can urachal cancer be cured?
Surgery can remove the cancer in some people, especially when it is found early. Outcomes vary from person to person and depend on how far the cancer has spread. No doctor can promise a cure, but treatment can often control the disease for a time.
Why is urachal cancer often found late?
It usually grows on the inside of the bladder wall or above it, where it may not cause symptoms at first. Blood in the urine is often the first sign, and it can come and go. That is why any blood in the urine deserves a medical check.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
