Skip to content

We are currently in beta

Please enjoy the existing content while we continue to fix and enhance your experience.

We would love to receive any feedback or comments that you'd like to share.

You can contact us here

Journeys of Life StoryMD Health Communities

Why StoryMD
Our Story
Point of Care
Newsletter
Contact Us
Help Center

Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Accessibility

Find us on facebook
Find us on instagram
Find us on linkedin
Find us on pinterest
Find us on twitter
Find us on youtube

© 2024 StoryMD Inc. All rights reserved.

Urachal Cyst

Table of Contents

Urachal Cyst

Umbilical Cyst

A urachal cyst is a sac-like pocket of tissue that develops in the urachus, a primitive structure that connects the umbilical cord to the bladder in the developing baby. Although it normally disappears prior to birth, part of the urachus may remain in some people. Explore symptoms, causes, and genetics.

Cyst of Urachus

Image by Internet Archive Book Images

Summary

Computer tomography (sagittal reconstruction) showing a remnant of the urachus as an incidental finding in a 44-year-old man.

Image by Hellerhoff

Computer tomography (sagittal reconstruction) showing a remnant of the urachus as an incidental finding in a 44-year-old man.

Computer tomography (sagittal reconstruction) showing a remnant of the urachus as an incidental finding in a 44-year-old man. The cord runs from the upper front of the bladder in the midline to the navel.

Image by Hellerhoff

What Is Urachal Cyst?

urachal cyst is a sac-like pocket of tissue that develops in the urachus, a primitive structure that connects the umbilical cord to the bladder in the developing baby. Although it normally disappears prior to birth, part of the urachus may remain in some people. Urachal cysts can develop at any age, but typically affect older children and adults. Urachal cysts are often not associated with any signs or symptoms unless there are complications such as infection. In these cases, symptoms may include abdominal pain, fever, pain with urination and/or hematuria. Urachal cysts may be monitored, or they may be treated with surgery to drain the cyst and/or remove the urachus.

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Additional Materials (1)

Urachal cyst

Diagram showing the arrested development of the genital tract and the relation of the malformed parts to the cyst of the urachus. Vg, vagina, its blind end rising higher on the right side than on the left ; Vl, valvular fold, through which a sound, S, passes into Rt. Ut., the right cornu; Rt. Ov., right ovary; Lft. Ut. (?), solid body, probably left cornu, the dotted lines indicate a band, not clearly definable, connecting it with the right cornu. Urachal Cyst simulating- Appendicular Abscess : Arrested Development of Genital Tract; with Notes on Recently Reported Cases of Urachal Cysts, Royal College of Surgeons of England, John Bale, Sons & Danielsson, London. Reprinting of the proceedings of the Royal Society of Medicine, April, 1909

Image by ALBAN DORAN F.R.C.S./Wikimedia

Urachal cyst

ALBAN DORAN F.R.C.S./Wikimedia

Urachus

Sensitive content

This media may include sensitive content

23 week old foetus

Image by Dr. Roshan Nasimudeen/Wikimedia

Sensitive content

This media may include sensitive content

23 week old foetus

Image showing the internal organs of a 23 week old human foetus

Image by Dr. Roshan Nasimudeen/Wikimedia

Urachus

An embryonic structure originating from the ALLANTOIS. It is a canal connecting the fetal URINARY BLADDER and the UMBILICUS. It is normally converted into a fibrous cord postnatally. When the canal fails to be filled and remains open (patent urachus), urine leaks through the umbilicus.

Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)

Allantois

FetalMembranes

Image by Dennis M DePace, PhD/Wikimedia

FetalMembranes

Section of the uterus at week 8 of development showing the subdivisions of the chorion and decidua and their relationships to the embryo, yolk sac, allantois and amnion.

Image by Dennis M DePace, PhD/Wikimedia

Allantois

An extra-embryonic membranous sac derived from the YOLK SAC of REPTILES; BIRDS; and MAMMALS. It lies between two other extra-embryonic membranes, the AMNION and the CHORION. The allantois serves to store urinary wastes and mediate exchange of gas and nutrients for the developing embryo.

Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)

Additional Materials (2)

Chicken egg diagram

Diagram of a chicken egg in its 9th day. Membranes: allantois, chorion, amnion, vitellus / yolk. Others elements: Albumen, Eggshell, Air pocket.

Image by KDS4444/Wikimedia

Umbilical Region of a Human Embryo 10 mm. in length

Fig. 8. — Sagittal View of the Umbilical Region of a Human Embryo 10 mm. in Length. The yolk-sac now lies far removed from the umbilical cord; its vessels and stalk follow a tortuous course. The umbilical cord here shows the first indication of a twist, which may be caused by the embryo rotating toward the right. In the embryos examined by us there has been but one exception to this rule. The small intestine extends a considerable distance into the exoeoelom of the cord. At the outer end of the intestinal loop is situated the delicate omphalomesenteric duct (vitelline duct). The omphalomesenteric vein passes on the left side of the intestinal loop; the artery, on the right side.

Image by Cullen, Thomas Stephen, 1868-1953/Wikimedia

Chicken egg diagram

KDS4444/Wikimedia

Umbilical Region of a Human Embryo 10 mm. in length

Cullen, Thomas Stephen, 1868-1953/Wikimedia

Causes

Fetus at 26 Weeks (Circulatory System)

Image by TheVisualMD

Fetus at 26 Weeks (Circulatory System)

At 26 weeks the organs throughout the fetus's body are becoming more mature. The heart and lungs continue to develop and rapid brain development also occurs. The central nervous system is developed enough to control breathing and body temperature. Layers of fat are starting to add and muscle coordination is beginning. The spine is growing longer and stronger to support the fetus's growing body.

Image by TheVisualMD

What Causes Urachal Cyst?

A urachal cyst occurs when a pocket of air or fluid develops in the urachus. Before birth, the urachus is a primitive structure that connects the umbilical cord to the bladder in the developing baby. The urachus normally disappears before birth, but part of the urachus may remain in some people after they are born. This can lead to urachal abnormalities such as urachal cysts.

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Symptoms

Depiction of a person with Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Image by https://www.myupchar.com

Depiction of a person with Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Depiction of a lady who has a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). The typical symptoms of UTI have been shown.

Image by https://www.myupchar.com

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Urachal Cyst?

In most cases, urachal cysts are not associated with any signs or symptoms unless there are complications such as infection. Possible symptoms vary, but may include:

Lower abdominal pain
Fever
Abdominal lump or mass
Pain with urination
Urinary tract infection
Hematuria

In some cases, there is also an open connection between the bladder and the umbilicus (belly button), which is called a urachal sinus. This may cause drainage of urine from the belly button.

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Diagnosis

Ultrasound of Pelvis and Abdomen

Image by TheVisualMD

Ultrasound of Pelvis and Abdomen

Image by TheVisualMD

How Is Urachal Cyst Diagnosed?

Ultrasound
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI scan)
Computed Tomography (CT scan)

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Treatment

Treatment and Prognosis varies depending on the type of condition and the age of symptom onset.

Image by 4144132

Treatment and Prognosis varies depending on the type of condition and the age of symptom onset.

Prognosis varies depending on the type of MND and the age of symptom onset.

Image by 4144132

How Might Urachal Cyst Be Treated?

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Prognosis

Prognosis Icon

Image by mcmurryjulie/Pixabay

Prognosis Icon

Image by mcmurryjulie/Pixabay

What Is the Long-Term Outlook for People with Urachal Cyst?

The long-term outlook (prognosis) for a urachal cyst is generally good. In most cases, urachal cysts are not associated with any signs or symptoms unless there are complications such as infection. There are instances where urachal abnormalities resolve on their own. Because there is a small risk of urachal cancer, the entire urachus may be surgically removed. You can talk with your doctor about the risks associated with surgery. There is usually no need for follow-up or evaluation if the urachus is removed.

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Related HealthJournals

Early Embryonic Development

A developing human is referred to as an embryo during weeks 3–8. Pre-embryonic and embryonic stages of development are characterized by cell division, migration, and differentiation. By the end of the embryonic period, all of the organ systems are structured in rudimentary form.

Share and discuss

Share your story, discuss an issue or get
advice from the community

Create conversation

Sign up here for full access to StoryMD

Get free access to in-depth articles and track your personal health.

Create Free Account Sign In

Share with others

Send this HealthJournal to your friends or across your social medias.

Urachal Cyst

A urachal cyst is a sac-like pocket of tissue that develops in the urachus, a primitive structure that connects the umbilical cord to the bladder in the developing baby. Although it normally disappears prior to birth, part of the urachus may remain in some people. Explore symptoms, causes, and genetics.

Copy Link