Cancer - renal pelvis or ureter
Definition
The kidneys collect urine in a section called the pelvis. The pelvis and its subdivisions (calyces) empty urine into a tube called the ureter, which leads to the bladder. Cancer can grow in this urine collection system, but is uncommon.
Alternative Names
Transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis or ureterCauses
As a group, renal pelvis and ureter cancers account for no more than 5% of all cancers of the kidney and upper urinary tract. They affect men more often than women and are more common in people older than 65.
Tumors of the renal pelvis and ureter are usually transitional cell cancers. Approximately 10% are squamous cell carcinomas.
The causes of this cancer are not completely known. Chronic (long-term) irritation of the kidney from harmful substances excreted in the urine may be a factor and may result from the following:
- Smoking
- Analgesic nephropathy
- Exposure to aniline dyes and chemicals used in the manufacturing of leather goods, textiles, plastics, and rubber
Patients with a previous history of bladder cancer are also at risk.
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