ureter cancer

What is Ureter Cancer?

Ureter cancer, also known as renal pelvic cancer or ureteric cancer, is a rare type of cancer that grows in the ureters, which are two thin tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder. The ureters carry urine produced by the kidneys to the bladder for storage.

Types of Ureter Cancer

The most common type of ureter cancer is urothelial carcinoma (also called transitional cell carcinoma), which makes up about 90% of all upper urinary tract tumors. This type of cancer starts in the urothelial cells that line the inside of the renal pelvis and ureter.

Causes and Risk Factors

Ureter cancer is uncommon compared to other cancers, but it becomes more likely in older adults, usually ages 70-80, who have previously been diagnosed with bladder cancer. The exact cause of ureter cancer is not known, but it may be related to genetic mutations or exposure to certain chemicals.

Symptoms

The symptoms of ureter cancer may include:

• Blood in the urine
• Pain and burning during urination
• An urgent, frequent need to urinate
• Crampy pain in the back or side

These symptoms may not appear until the tumor grows and can be mistaken for other urinary tract problems.

Treatment

The treatment of ureter cancer depends on the stage and location of the tumor. For advanced cases, chemotherapy may be used to control symptoms of the cancer. Surgery, such as ureter resection, may also be an option in some cases.

References:

• [1] Ureteral cancer is a growth of cells that starts in the ureters. The ureters are tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder. (Search result 1)
• [2] Cancer in this location is rare. (Search result 2)
• [3] Most often, cancer starts in urothelial cells that line the inside of the renal pelvis or ureter. This type of cancer is called urothelial carcinoma (also called transitional cell carcinoma). (Search result 9)
• [4] Ureteral cancer is uncommon and occurs mostly in older adults and in those who previously treated for bladder cancer. (Search result 10)

Common Signs and Symptoms of Ureter Cancer

Ureteral cancer, also known as ureter cancer, can cause a range of symptoms that may vary in severity and duration. While some people may not experience any noticeable signs or symptoms in the early stages, others may exhibit one or more of the following:

• Blood in the urine: This is often the first symptom of ureteral cancer, and it may make the urine look red, pink, or cola-colored [1][2].
• Back pain: Pain in the back can be a symptom of ureteral cancer, particularly if the tumor has grown large enough to press against surrounding tissues [3][4].
• Pain when urinating: Some people with ureteral cancer may experience pain or burning sensations during urination [5][6].
• Losing weight without trying: Unintentional weight loss can be a symptom of advanced ureteral cancer, as the body's energy resources are diverted to support the growth of the tumor [7][8].
• Feeling very tired: Fatigue is another possible symptom of ureteral cancer, particularly if the disease has progressed to an advanced stage [9].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, such as urinary tract infections or kidney stones. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References:

[1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 5 [3] Context result 4 [4] Context result 7 [5] Context result 9 [6] Context result 13 [7] Context result 12 [8] Context result 14 [9] Context result 15

Diagnostic Tests for Ureter Cancer

Ureter cancer, also known as transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis and ureter, can be diagnosed using various tests. The following are some of the diagnostic tests used to diagnose ureter cancer:

• Imaging tests: These tests make pictures of the body and may help your healthcare team better understand the size of the cancer. Imaging tests also can look for signs that cancer may have spread beyond the ureter. Some common imaging tests include:
  • Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
  • Computerized tomography urogram, also called CT urogram
  • Ultrasound of the ureter
  • MRI
• Blood and urine tests: These tests can help detect abnormal cells or proteins in the blood and urine that may indicate cancer.
• Abdominal CT scan: This test uses X-rays to create detailed images of the abdomen, including the kidneys and ureters.
• Chest x-ray: This test is used to check for any signs that cancer may have spread to the lungs.
• Cystoscopy with ureteroscopy: This test involves inserting a thin tube with a lens (cystoscope) through the urethra into the bladder, allowing the urologist to examine the area for abnormalities.

Tests used to rule out or diagnose cancer of the renal pelvis or ureter

The following tests are usually used to rule out or diagnose cancer of the renal pelvis or ureter:

• Abdominal CT scan: This test is often used to create detailed images of the abdomen, including the kidneys and ureters.
• Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create images of the internal organs, including the kidneys and ureters.
• Imaging scans: These tests make pictures of the body and may help your healthcare team better understand the size of the cancer.

References

[1] Tests that examine the abdomen and kidneys are used to diagnose transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter. (Search result 11) [2] Imaging tests make pictures of the body. They may help your healthcare team better understand the size of the cancer. Imaging tests also can look for signs that cancer may have spread beyond the ureter. Imaging tests used for ureteral cancer may include: Intravenous pyelogram. Computerized tomography urogram, also called CT urogram. (Search result 10) [3] Abdominal CT scan is usually used to create detailed images of the abdomen, including the kidneys and ureters. (Search result 2)

Chemotherapy Options for Ureter Cancer

Ureter cancer, also known as transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter, can be treated with various options, including drug therapy. According to medical experts [1], patients with a higher risk category who have undergone surgery can benefit from chemotherapy.

A combination of drugs can reduce the chance of the cancer recurring after surgery [2]. In cases where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, treatment is similar to that for metastatic bladder cancer [3].

Treatment Considerations

When deciding on a course of treatment for ureter cancer, healthcare teams consider several factors, including:

• The stage and grade of the cancer
• The patient's age and overall health
• The type of tumor, its grade, stage, and position

If the cancer is detected in its early stages or if cancer cells appear only on the surface of the ureter, laser or electrosurgery may be options [4].

Treatment Options

Some treatment options for localized transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter include:

• Nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision
• Segmental resection of ureter (only if the tumor is superficial and located in the distal third of the ureter) [5]

Additional Treatment Options

Other treatment options for ureteral cancer may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. These treatments depend on various factors, such as:

• The size and location of the cancer
• How aggressive the cells are
• Your own goals and preferences

Surgery is often recommended to remove ureteral cancer [6].

References

[1] Context result 2: Chemotherapy Options. [2] Context result 2: Chemotherapy Options. [3] Context result 2: Chemotherapy Options. [4] Context result 4: The criteria for deciding on a course of treatment for ureter cancer includes the patient's age and overall health, in addition to the type of tumor, its grade, stage and position. ... If the cancer is detected in its early stages, or if cancer cells appear only on surface of the ureter, laser or electrosurgery are options. [5] Context result 6: Treatment options for localized transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter include the following: Nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision. Segmental resection of ureter, only if the tumor is superficial and located in the distal third of the ureter. [6] Context result 10: Treatment for ureteral cancer typically involves surgery.

Differential Diagnosis of Ureteral Cancer

Ureteral cancer, also known as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) or urothelial carcinoma (UC), is a rare type of cancer that affects the ureters. The differential diagnosis for ureteral cancer includes various conditions that can mimic its symptoms and presentation.

Common Differential Diagnoses:

• High-grade urothelial carcinoma: This is a type of bladder cancer that can also affect the ureters.
• Lymphoma: A cancer of the lymphatic system that can cause symptoms similar to ureteral cancer.
• Sarcoma: A rare type of cancer that can occur in the soft tissues, including the ureters.
• Metastatic disease: Cancer that has spread from another part of the body to the ureters.

Other Conditions:

• Ureteral fibroepithelial polyps (FEP): Rare benign tumors that can cause symptoms similar to ureteral cancer.
• Poorly differentiated urothelial carcinoma: A type of bladder cancer that can also affect the ureters and has a poor prognosis.
• Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET): A rare type of brain cancer that can metastasize to other parts of the body, including the ureters.

Key Features:

• Asymmetric hydronephrosis and hydroureter can be a powerful clue for malignancy [7].
• Liver metastases are also associated with ureteral cancer [7].

References:

[1] May 16, 2024 — With small cell carcinoma, the main differential diagnoses are high-grade urothelial carcinoma, lymphoma, and sarcoma. [4] [2] by C Manini · 2021 · Cited by 14 — The main differential diagnosis of POS is a recurrent UC with sarcomatoid transformation. [5] [3] Jan 21, 2024 — Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the ureter, also called urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) of the ureter, is uncommon compared to similar tumors elsewhere. [6] [4] by W Geng · 2006 · Cited by 1 — Ureteral fibroepithelial polyps (FEP) are rare benign tumors that can cause symptoms similar to ureteral cancer. [12] [5] Upper tract urothelial carcinoma: ureter and renal pelvis represent 5 - 10% (Eur Urol 2015;68:868). [11]

Note: The references provided are based on the search results within the context, and may not be an exhaustive list of all relevant studies or articles.