1. Transitional Cell Cancer of What?
Transitional Cell Cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter is an exceptionally long description for cancer of the kidney and ureter. Blood is cleaned by the kidneys, which then collect urine to be excreted as waste. The kidneys are comma shaped and have a large cavity in the middle where urine collects. As the urine collects, it then goes into a tube called the ureter, which is located at the end of the kidney. The ureter then moves the urine into the bladder and out of the body. A transitional cell is a cell that has the ability to change shape; think of a full bladder that stretches to accommodate urine. Transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter is cancer of the transitional cells in the body of the kidney and tube of the ureter.
2. Who Gets Transitional Cell Cancer of the Renal Pelvis and Ureter?
Transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter is relatively rare, accounting for only about 5 to 9 percent of all renal (kidney) cancers in the US. The Balkans have a much higher incidence, and the cause is thought to be environmental for those along the Danube River. Other risk factors for this type of kidney and ureter cancer include those who work in industries with chemical, plastic, asphalt, coal, tar and dye exposure. Smoking and the use of pain medications containing phenacetin are also risk factors in developing this type of kidney and ureter cancer.
3. What Are the Symptoms?
Blood in the urine is the most common symptom of transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter. Most patients also have some type of pain. Pain can be intense or spasm-like if blood clots are passed. Other symptoms may include back pain, weight loss, fatigue and frequent or painful urination. If you have any of these symptoms that last longer than a few days, see your doctor immediately.
4. How is Transitional Cell Cancer of the Kidney Diagnosed?
The doctor will first take a history and physical and get a urine sample to examine it for any infections, protein, sugar or unusual findings and check the urine for cancer cells. The doctor may also order a ureteroscope, a lighted scope to visualize the ureter and bladder. A biopsy can also be taken at the same time. Other tests can include an IVP (intravenous pyleogram) where dye is injected and the kidney and bladder are visualized. An ultrasound or CT scan may also be ordered for diagnosis.
5. What is the Treatment?
Surgery is the treatment of choice for transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter. Surgical options are based on the stage and location of the cancer. Surgery may remove only the cancerous section of the kidney and ureter, or it can be extensive and remove the entire kidney and ureter. Several clinical trials are ongoing for new treatments and many have promising outcomes.
