Ureteral cancer

Diagnosis

The following tests and procedures are used to diagnose ureteral cancer:

• Physical examination: The doctor will perform a physical assessment to evaluate the signs and symptoms.
• Imaging tests: Is recommended by the specialist to determine the severity of ureteral cancer by intravenous pyelograms and computed tomography (CT) urography. If you are unable to get computed tomography (CT) imaging, in some circumstances a magnetic resonance urogram may be used.
• Urine tests: This test is to check for any abnormalities at the urine. A urine sample can be examined using a urine cytology test to look for abnormal cells.
• Ureteroscopy: The specialist will insert a thin, lighted tube equipped with a camera into the urethra, which will allow the specialist to inspect the ureters, and if needed, to remove a small tissue sample for biopsy. The pathologist will analyze the tissue sample for any signs of cancer.
• Cystoscopy: Examination of the bladder using scope or an imaging test to visualize the inner part of the bladder, to check for any signs of bladder cancer. Ureteral cancer patients have a significant chance of developing bladder cancer.

Treatment

Surgery is frequently used to treat ureteral cancer. Ureter cancer treatment options will depend on the extent and location of the cancer, the aggressiveness of the cancer cells, and the personal preferences and goals of the patient.

Surgery

Surgical removal of ureteral cancer is recommended to treat the disease. At an early stage of ureteral cancer, surgical removal of a portion of the ureter may be recommended. However, if the cancer had become advanced or progress then “nephroureterectomy” is recommended. This is the removal of the affected kidney, ureter and part of the bladder.

Chemotherapy

This is drugs used in cancer treatment to kill the cancer cells. It can be used to reduce the size of the tumor before surgery so that it may be removed more easily. This method could also be utilized to continue eliminating any cancer cells that remained even after the surgery. Chemotherapy may be used to manage the signs and symptoms of advanced ureteral carcinoma.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that relies on the function of the patient’s immune system. Typically, the immune system keeps monitoring and destroy all of the foreign substances, such as cancer cells. However, it cannot detect cancer cells. Immunotherapy helps to boost the effectiveness of the immune system to detect and fight against the cancer. In advanced ureteral cancer that has not responded to previous therapies, immunotherapy may be an alternative.

Follow up examination:

The specialist will plan a schedule for a follow-up examination after the initial treatment to check for any recurrence of the cancer cells. Since ureteral cancer have a higher risk of bladder cancer, these follow-up exams will also screen for any symptoms of bladder cancer. However, the patient should anticipate seeing the doctor on a few months basis for the first year, and less regularly after that.