Ureteral cancer

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics

Ureteral cancer
Cystoscopy image showing ureteral cancer
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Hematuria, flank pain, urinary frequency
Complications	Metastasis, renal failure
Onset	Typically in older adults
Duration	Variable
Types	Transitional cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma
Causes	Smoking, chemical exposure, chronic inflammation
Risks	Smoking, family history, chronic urinary tract infections
Diagnosis	Cystoscopy, CT scan, MRI, biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Kidney stones, bladder cancer, urinary tract infection
Prevention	Avoiding smoking, reducing chemical exposure
Treatment	Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Depends on stage and grade
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Cancer that occurs in the ureter

Ureteral cancer

Ureteral cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. It is a rare form of cancer that is often associated with bladder cancer.

Signs and symptoms

Patients with ureteral cancer may experience symptoms such as hematuria (blood in the urine), flank pain, and urinary tract infections. Other symptoms can include weight loss, fatigue, and anorexia.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of ureteral cancer typically involves imaging studies such as intravenous pyelogram (IVP) and computed tomography (CT) scans. A cystoscopy may also be performed to visualize the ureter and obtain a biopsy of any suspicious areas.

Cystoscopy image showing ureteral cancer

Intravenous pyelogram showing ureteral cancer

Treatment

Treatment options for ureteral cancer depend on the stage and location of the cancer. Surgical options include nephroureterectomy, which involves the removal of the affected kidney and ureter. In some cases, endoscopic resection may be possible. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also be used, particularly in advanced cases.

Prognosis

The prognosis for ureteral cancer varies depending on the stage at diagnosis and the patient's overall health. Early-stage cancers have a better prognosis, while advanced cancers may have a poorer outcome.

Epidemiology

Ureteral cancer is rare, accounting for a small percentage of all urinary tract cancers. It is more common in older adults and has a higher incidence in males compared to females.

See also

• Bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Urinary system