Living with Urachal cyst
A small sac of tissue near the belly button and bladder that often causes no symptoms unless it becomes infected.
Understanding Urachal cyst
The urachus normally disappears before birth, but part of it stays in some people. Urachal cysts can form at any age, though they most often affect older children and adults. They often cause no signs unless an infection or other complication develops.
Signs & symptoms
Many people have no symptoms. If there is a complication such as infection, GARD lists these:
- Belly pain
- Fever
- Pain when urinating
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Chills
- A lump in the belly (abdominal mass)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include kidney specialists and urinary and male reproductive system specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Kidney specialists (nephrologists); Urinary and male reproductive system specialists (urologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with National Kidney Foundation and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD explains that part of the urachus, which normally disappears before birth, can remain and form a cyst. It doesn't list a gene or inheritance pattern.
Also known as: congenital cyst of urachus; congenital urachal cyst; urachal cyst (disease)
Patient organizations
- National Kidney FoundationKidney diseases · United States
- Renal Support NetworkKidney diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Urachal cyst.
Explore research for Urachal cyst
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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