Summary about Disease
A urachal cyst is a small, fluid-filled sac that forms in the urachus. The urachus is a channel that connects the bladder to the umbilicus (belly button) during fetal development. Normally, the urachus closes before birth. When it doesn't completely close, it can leave behind a urachal remnant, which can then develop into a cyst. These cysts are usually located between the bladder and the umbilicus. They can be asymptomatic or cause symptoms if they become infected.
Symptoms
Abdominal pain (usually lower)
Fever (if infected)
A palpable mass in the lower abdomen
Umbilical discharge (if infected)
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Blood in the urine (hematuria)
Causes
A urachal cyst forms when the urachus, which is a channel between the bladder and umbilicus in the fetus, fails to close completely after birth. The remnant tissue can then form a cyst. The exact reason why the urachus fails to close is not always known.
Medicine Used
Antibiotics: If the cyst is infected, antibiotics are used to treat the infection. The specific antibiotic used depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection.
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to manage pain.
No specific medicines target the cyst itself. Treatment often involves surgical removal of the cyst, especially if it's causing significant symptoms or recurrent infections.
Is Communicable
No, a urachal cyst is not communicable or contagious. It is a congenital abnormality resulting from incomplete closure of a fetal structure, not an infectious disease.
Precautions
There are no specific precautions to prevent the formation* of a urachal cyst, as it is a congenital condition.
If a urachal cyst is diagnosed, prompt treatment of any infections is important to prevent complications.
Maintain good hygiene, especially around the umbilicus, to minimize the risk of infection if there is an opening or drainage.
How long does an outbreak last?
A urachal cyst itself doesn't have an "outbreak." If it becomes infected, the duration of the infection depends on the severity of the infection and how quickly it is treated with antibiotics. A typical infection might last from one to two weeks with appropriate treatment.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical Exam: A doctor might feel a mass in the lower abdomen.
Ultrasound: This imaging technique can visualize the cyst.
CT Scan: A CT scan provides a more detailed image of the abdomen and can help identify the cyst and any associated complications.
MRI: Similar to a CT scan, an MRI can provide detailed images.
Cystography/Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG): This X-ray test can show the bladder and urinary tract, and identify any connections between the bladder and the umbilicus.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary:
Asymptomatic: Some urachal cysts remain asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally during imaging for other reasons.
Infancy/Childhood: Symptoms may appear in infancy or childhood, often presenting as an infected umbilical mass or drainage.
Adulthood: Sometimes, symptoms may not appear until adulthood, often triggered by an infection or some other abdominal issue. The cyst may enlarge and cause pain, or it may drain through the umbilicus.
Important Considerations
Cancer Risk: Although rare, urachal cysts can sometimes develop into cancer (urachal carcinoma). Therefore, complete surgical removal is often recommended, especially in adults.
Differential Diagnosis: It's important to differentiate a urachal cyst from other abdominal masses or conditions, such as an umbilical granuloma or an omphalomesenteric duct remnant.
Surgical Removal: The gold standard treatment for symptomatic urachal cysts is surgical removal, either through open surgery or laparoscopically. The entire urachal tract, from the bladder to the umbilicus, is usually removed to prevent recurrence.
Recurrence: Recurrence is possible if the entire urachal tract is not removed.