Urachal carcinoma: imaging findings
Vanessa Monteiro1, Teresa Margarida Cunha
1Unidade Local de Saúde do Baixo Alentejo , EPE.
Acta Radiologica Short Reports
|August 30, 2013
Summary
Urachal adenocarcinoma, a rare bladder cancer, arises from fetal remnants. Early diagnosis using imaging like CT and MR is crucial for better outcomes in this uncommon malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Urachal carcinoma is a rare malignancy originating from the urachus, a remnant of the fetal allantois.
- It constitutes a small percentage (0.5-2%) of all bladder cancers.
- Typically presents with symptoms like pelvic pain and urinary frequency.
Observation:
- A 46-year-old female patient presented with symptoms of pelvic pain and frequent daytime urination.
- Imaging studies including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) revealed a supravesical heterogeneous mass with calcifications.
- Surgical resection and histopathological examination confirmed urachal adenocarcinoma.
Findings:
- Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of urachal adenocarcinoma.
- The imaging characteristics (heterogeneous mass with calcifications) aided in preoperative assessment.
- Urachal carcinomas are known for their generally poor prognosis.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis of urachal carcinoma is critical for improving patient prognosis.
- CT and MR imaging play a vital role in the accurate diagnosis and preoperative staging of urachal adenocarcinoma.
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare malignancies in the differential diagnosis of supravesical masses.
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