Renal Pelvis or Ureteral Cancer

There are rare cancers which arise from the lining of the kidney (Renal Pelvis) or the drainage tube of the kidney (Ureter). These are typically Urothelial Carcinoma and are most commonly found in patients with blood in the urine or on evaluation for bladder cancer. Sometimes they may cause blockage of the kidney.

Initial evaluation usually involves a procedure to biopsy the tumor to determine the diagnosis. Depending on the biopsy diagnosis, surgery is usually recommended and possibly chemotherapy. Surgery may involve removal of the entire kidney and ureter (Nephroureterectomy) or for persons not fit for surgery, a laser procedure may be performed. The standard treatment is Nephroureterectomy.