Kidney pelvis and ureter cancer

Malignant tumors of the renal pelvis and ureters are usually represented by urothelial carcinoma (UC) and sometimes squamous cell carcinoma.

Clinical Manifestations

In most patients, the disease manifests as hematuria; dysuria and pollakiuria may occur with concomitant bladder involvement. Colicky pain may accompany obstruction. Sometimes, hydronephrosis develops due to the tumor in the renal pelvis.

Diagnosis

• Ultrasound or CT with contrast agent
• Cytological or histological examination
• In patients with unclear upper urinary tract symptoms, ultrasound or CT with contrast is performed.
• If the diagnosis cannot be excluded, a cytological urine analysis or histological examination is performed for definitive diagnosis.

Prognosis

The prognosis depends on the degree of invasion into the urothelial wall or infiltration through it, which is difficult to determine. The likelihood of cure is over 90% for patients with superficial, localized tumors, and only about 10–15% for patients with deep invasive cancer. If the tumor invades the wall or distant metastases appear, cure is unlikely.

Treatment

 Laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (including resection of part of the bladder and regional lymphadenectomy).