[1] The disease might arise from metaplastic glandular epithelium or embryonic epithelial remnants originating from the cloaca region.

[4][5] According to the American Urological Association, the diagnostic criteria are the following:[9] Tissue for histological analysis is usually obtained via a transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT).

[15] CT and MRI scans are useful to evaluate local invasion and metastasis to lymph nodes and other parts of the body.

[21] Measurement of serum concentrations of CEA, CA19-9 and CA125 can be helpful in monitoring urachal cancer[2][22] The 5-year survival is estimated between 25 and 61%.

[9] Worse prognostic factors include the presence of residual tumor at the margin of the resection specimen (R+), invasion of the peritoneum and metastatic disease.