[Carcinoma of the urachus]

The urachus is an embryological structure originating from the allantois and situated in Retzius' space. Neoplasms originating from the urachus are very rare. They become clinically manifest late in the course of the disease. Deformation of the apex of the bladder and supravesical calcifications are described as radiological findings but these are of limited diagnostic value and should be supplemented by ultrasonic scanning, computed tomography and possibly by magnetic resonance scanning which will provide information about the extent of the disease. The final diagnosis is based on the macroscopic findings and the macroscopic picture. Three cases representing various aspects of the disease are presented. Treatment consists of en bloc resection in the form of partial cystectomy and excision of the tissue in Retzius' space and the umbilicus. The results are, however, disappointing as the five-year survival rates in the majority of materials do not exceed 10%. Irradiation is of doubtful value and chemotherapy is scarcely of value in the treatment.