Transitional Cell Carcinoma (of the Ureter and Renal Pelvis)

Transitional Cell Carcinoma (of the Ureter and Renal Pelvis)

Transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter and renal pelvis is a disease in which cancer cells form in the renal pelvis and ureter. The exact cause of this type of cancer is unknown, but risk factors for the disease include cigarette smoking, misusing certain pain medications, and being exposed to certain dyes and chemicals. Common symptoms of transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter and renal pelvis may include blood in the urine, pain in the back that doesn't go away, and extreme tiredness. In most cases, the disease is treated using surgery.

Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Ureter and Renal Pelvis: An Overview
Transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter and renal pelvis is a disease in which cancer cells form in the renal pelvis and ureter.

(A more common form of transitional cell carcinoma is bladder cancer. You can read more about this type of transitional cell carcinoma by going to the eMedTV article Bladder Cancer. Renal cell cancer is a more common type of kidney cancer. Click Kidney Cancer to learn more about renal cell carcinoma.)

Understanding the Kidneys, Renal Pelvis, and Ureter
The renal pelvis is part of the kidney. The ureter connects the kidneys to the bladder. The kidneys:

* Are located on each side of the backbone, above the waist
* Are about 5 inches long and 3 inches wide (in adults) and are shaped like a kidney bean
* Clean the blood and produce urine to rid the body of waste.

The urine collects in the middle of each kidney in a large cavity called the renal pelvis. Urine drains from each kidney through a long tube called the ureter, into the bladder, where it is stored until it is passed from the body through the urethra.

Understanding Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Ureter and Renal Pelvis
The renal pelvis and ureters are lined with transitional cells. These cells can change shape and stretch without breaking apart. Transitional cell carcinoma starts in these cells and forms in the renal pelvis, the ureter, or both.

Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Ureter and Renal Pelvis: Cause and Risk Factors
No one knows the exact cause or causes of transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter and renal pelvis, and doctors can seldom explain why one person will get the disease and another person will not. However, research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter and renal pelvis. A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease.

Specific transitional cell carcinoma risk factors include the following:
* Misusing certain pain medicines (including over-the-counter drugs) for a long time
* Being exposed to certain dyes and chemicals that are used in making leather goods, textiles, plastics, and rubber
* Smoking cigarettes.

Symptoms of Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Ureter and Renal Pelvis
In early transitional cell carcinoma stages, there may be no transitional cell carcinoma symptoms. However, as the tumor grows, common symptoms of transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter and renal pelvis can include:

* Blood in the urine
* A pain in the back that doesn't go away
* Extreme tiredness
* Weight loss for unknown reasons
* Painful or frequent urination.

These possible symptoms listed above are not sure signs of transitional cell carcinoma in the renal pelvis or ureter. Other health problems (such as infection, a cyst, or another problem) can also cause these symptoms. People who have possible transitional cell carcinoma signs or symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible -- only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.

Diagnosing Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Ureter and Renal Pelvis
If a person has possible transitional cell carcinoma symptoms, the doctor will probably need to perform a physical exam, ask about the patient's personal and family medical history, and recommend additional tests and procedures that examine the kidneys and ureters.

Exams and tests that are used to make a transitional cell carcinoma diagnosis may include:

* Urine tests
* Blood tests
* Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
* Computed tomography scan
* Ultrasound
* Biopsy
* Surgery.

Stages of Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Ureter and Renal Pelvis
If a transitional cell carcinoma diagnosis is made, the doctor will need to determine the transitional cell carcinoma stage, or extent, of the disease in order to plan the best transitional cell carcinoma treatment. Transitional cell carcinoma staging is an attempt to find out the size of the tumor, whether the disease has spread, and if so, to what parts of the body.

The following stages are used to describe transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter and renal pelvis:

* Stage 0 (carcinoma in situ)
* Stage I
* Stage II
* Stage III
* Stage IV
* Recurrent.

Transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter and renal pelvis is also described as localized, regional, or metastatic.

Treatment for Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Ureter and Renal Pelvis
Transitional cell carcinoma treatment options vary based on:

* The stage and grade of the tumor
* Where the tumor is located
* Whether the patient's other kidney is healthy
* Whether the cancer has recurred.

In general, transitional cell carcinoma treatment options can include surgery. Patients should work with their doctor to develop a treatment plan that meets their medical needs and personal values. Choosing the most appropriate transitional cell carcinoma treatment is a decision that ideally involves the patient, the family, and the healthcare team.

Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Ureter and Renal Pelvis: Prognosis
The transitional cell carcinoma prognosis for cancer in the renal pelvis and ureter will depend on factors such as the stage and grade of the tumor. In most cases, transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter and renal pelvis can be cured if it is found early.

Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Ureter and Renal Pelvis: Summary of Key Points
Key information about transitional cell carcinoma includes the following:

* Transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter and renal pelvis is a disease in which cancer cells form in the renal pelvis and ureter.

* Misuse of certain pain medicines can affect the risk of developing transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter and renal pelvis. Cigarette smoking and exposure to certain dyes and chemicals are also risk factors for the disease.

* Possible signs of transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter and renal pelvis include blood in the urine and back pain.

* Tests that examine the abdomen and kidneys are used to find and diagnose transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter and renal pelvis.