Ureteral and Renal Pelvic Cancer Symptoms

When it comes to urologic health, staying vigilant and recognizing potential warning signs is crucial. Ureteral and renal pelvic cancer, though relatively rare, can have a significant impact on an individual’s well-being if left undetected and untreated. 

Your ureters are the tubes that connect your kidneys to your bladder. Cancer can begin in your ureters or renal pelvis — the hollow part of your kidney that leads to your ureters. 

The team of experienced urologists at Urology of Greater Atlanta use state-of-the-art diagnostics to identify and evaluate ureteral and renal pelvic cancer. We also offer personalized treatment plans to help remove cancer and restore your health.

Call one of our offices in Georgia today or make an appointment online for expert urological health care that you can trust!

What Is Ureteral and Renal Pelvic Cancer?

Ureteral and renal pelvic cancer develops when abnormal cells in your ureters or renal pelvis (hollow part of your kidneys) multiply rapidly and form a tumor. This is not to be confused with pelvic tumors, which are associated with another area of the body.

Ureteral and renal pelvic cancer is rare but usually affects men over 65. This type of cancer typically begins in the transitional cells that line your kidneys and other hollow organs. Thus, it is also known as transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter.

Signs and Symptoms of Ureteral and Renal Pelvic Cancer

Some signs and symptoms of ureteral and renal pelvic cancer are listed below.

• Dark urine
• Urinary frequency and urgency
• Pain or burning sensations when urinating
• Urinary hesitancy
• Blood or blood clots in urine
• Unintended weight loss
• Fatigue
• Abdominal or back pain
• Pain at the junction of your spine and ribs

If you are experiencing any of these signs and symptoms, you should seek the assistance of a skilled urologist. Since renal pelvis and ureter cancer have some symptoms that are similar to other kidney cancers, you should seek an accurate diagnosis from an experienced urologist.

What Are the Risk Factors of Ureteral and Renal Pelvic Cancer?

Ureteral and renal pelvic cancer are more likely to develop in men over 65. Other risk factors may include having a personal or family history of cancer, kidney disease (Balkan endemic nephropathy), or kidney stones. 

Tobacco use can also increase your risk of developing ureteral and renal pelvic cancer. In addition, exposure to aristolochic acids, phenacetin, and arsenic can increase your chances of getting this type of cancer. 

How Ureteral and Renal Pelvic Cancer Is Diagnosed

A urologist can diagnose ureteral and renal pelvic cancer through comprehensive physical exams and testing. Your doctor will begin by reviewing your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle to further help diagnose transitional cell cancer.

During the physical exam, your specialist will check your kidneys and lymph nodes for swelling or enlargement. Your exam may also include a pelvic or digital rectal exam.

The skilled team at Urology of Greater Atlanta uses urinalysis and other lab tests to screen for signs of ureteral and renal pelvic cancer. We test for hematuria, bacteria, and other abnormalities that may be present. 

In some cases, our doctors will perform a ureteroscopy to examine your urinary tract or other imaging studies, like CT scans and MRIs, to aid in evaluating your condition.

Your diagnosis may reveal either localized transitional cell cancer or regional transitional cell cancer, depending on whether the cancer is localized in the kidney or has spread to other areas (regional).

How Is Ureteral and Renal Pelvic Cancer Treated?

Many types of ureteral and renal pelvic cancers can be successfully treated if caught early enough. The National Cancer Institute is constantly testing new treatments through clinical trials to aid in winning the fight against most transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter.

The doctors at Urology of Greater Atlanta provide state-of-the-art surgical equipment to treat transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter, including partial and radical ureterectomy. 

Our expert team offers open, laparoscopic, and robotically-assisted surgeries to remove the tumor and affected tissue. Our urologist may also recommend chemotherapy or radiation after your surgery to ensure the cancer cells are addressed to the fullest extent possible.

Schedule an Appointment with Urology of Greater Atlanta Today! 

Contact one of our offices in Georgia today or request an appointment online for expert diagnosis and treatment of ureteral and renal pelvic cancer. We look forward to helping you ease your worries by offering you the most effective treatment plan possible!