Urachal Cyst: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Urachal Cyst?
A urologist, a doctor who treats the bladder and urinary tract, usually cares for a urachal cyst. A surgeon removes the cyst when surgery is needed. A primary care doctor can order tests and send you to these doctors. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is a urachal cyst?
Before birth, a baby has a tube called the urachus. It helps carry waste from the bladder out through the umbilical cord, which is the cord at the belly button. Normally the tube closes and becomes a band of tissue called the median umbilical ligament.
A urachal cyst forms when the tube does not close all the way. Both ends are closed, but a small open channel stays in the middle. Most urachal cysts cause no symptoms. A cyst can become a problem when it gets infected.
Symptoms
Many people have no symptoms. An infected cyst can cause a lump near the belly button with belly pain and fever. Other possible signs include:
- Leaking from the belly button.
- Chills and red skin.
- Blood in the urine.
- Painful or difficult urination.
- An abscess, which is a pocket of infection, or a serious infection.
These signs are uncommon, and most people do not have them.
Causes and who gets it
A urachal cyst is a birth defect, which is a change in the body that is present from birth. It happens when the urachus does not fully close before or soon after birth. The NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center does not list a cause.
Symptoms can begin in newborns and infants. Doctors now find more of these urachal problems because imaging tests are used more.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors use imaging tests to see the cyst. An ultrasound, which uses sound waves to make pictures, is used most often. A CT scan, which uses X-rays to make detailed pictures, is also used. Many urachal problems are found by chance during a scan done for another reason.
Treatment
Treatment depends on whether the cyst causes problems. The advice below comes from research in children.
- A cyst with no symptoms can often be watched. This means repeat ultrasounds and measuring the cyst.
- An infected cyst is usually treated first with antibiotics, which are medicines that kill germs.
- Surgery is considered if those steps do not work or if symptoms are severe.
- In surgery, the doctor removes the cyst. Open surgery has long been the standard way. Laparoscopic and robotic surgery are newer ways to do it, and they are safe and effective.
Doctors cannot yet predict which children will need surgery.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you or your child has belly pain, fever, redness or a lump near the belly button, leaking from the belly button, or pain when passing urine.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you or your child has severe belly pain or pressure, fainting, or a sudden change in thinking, such as confusion.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type of doctor can check belly pain or other symptoms, arrange an ultrasound, and refer you to a urologist or surgeon. They can also help with follow-up visits.
Common questions
What causes a urachal cyst?
A urachal cyst forms when the urachus does not close all the way. The urachus is the tube that helps carry waste from the baby's bladder out through the umbilical cord before birth. The NIH rare disease center does not list a reason why the tube stays open.
Does a urachal cyst always need surgery?
No. In children, a cyst with no symptoms can often be watched with repeat ultrasounds. An infected cyst is usually treated first with antibiotics. Surgery is considered if those steps do not work or symptoms are severe.
Is a urachal cyst present at birth?
Yes. A urachal cyst is a birth defect, which means it is present from birth. Some people do not learn they have one until a scan finds it.
What are the signs of an infected urachal cyst?
An infected urachal cyst can cause a lump near the belly button, belly pain, and fever. Some people also have leaking from the belly button.
Sources
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center - Urachal cyst
- National Organization for Rare Disorders - Urachal cyst
- PubMed Central - Current management strategies of urachal anomalies in pediatric patients: A scoping review
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
