Carcinoma of the renal pelvis or ureter

Causes and Risks:
Carcinoma of the renal pelvis or ureter includes 2 types of cancers. As a group, renal pelvis or ureter carcinomas affect 8 out of 100,000 people. It affects men twice as often as women, especially those over age 65. Transitional cell cancer is associated with analgesic nephropathy . It is responsible for about 10% of all kidney cancers, and unlike most kidney cancers, it typically is found in middle-aged women. Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for a smaller proportion of kidney tumors in adults.

The causes of this cancer or not known. Chronic irritation of the kidney from harmful substances excreted in the urine may be a factor. Risks for carcinoma of the renal pelvis or ureter include a history of previous renal carcinoma , analgesic nephropathy, and smoking or other tobacco use . Risks also include occupational or other exposure to nephrotoxic agents including dyes, lubricants, solvents, chemicals used in the manufacture of leather goods or textiles or plastics or rubber, and other chemicals.

Prevention:
Wear protective equipment if exposure to nephrotoxic substances is likely. Minimize or stop smoking . Follow your health care provider's advice regarding use of medications, including over-the-counter analgesics .

Symptoms:



Signs and Tests:
Examination by touch ( palpation ) of the abdomen rarely reveals a mass or an enlarged kidney.

Carcinoma cells may appear on

The tumor , or signs of urinary obstruction , may appear on:

An X-ray , CT scan, or an MRI of other areas of the body may show metastasis of cancer from the kidneys.

Treatment:
The goal of treatment is to eliminate the cancer .

Surgical removal of all or part of the kidney ( nephrectomy ) is usually recommended. This may include removal of part of the bladder or surrounding tissues or lymph nodes. If the tumor is in the ureter it may be possible to remove it while preserving the kidney. Chemotherapy may be used in some cases.

Support Groups:
The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group and kidney disease - support group .

Prognosis:
The outcome varies depending on the exact location of the tumor and whether the cancer has spread (metastasized).

Complications:



Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms indicate carcinoma of the kidney may be present.


The kidneys are responsible for removing wastes from the body, regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure, and the stimulation of red blood cell production. The gross anatomical structure of the kidney is illustrated.