Living with Renal pelvis/ureter urothelial carcinoma
A rare cancer of the lining of the kidney's collecting area or the ureter, often first noticed as blood in the urine.
Understanding Renal pelvis/ureter urothelial carcinoma
The tumor may be in more than one spot and on both sides in some cases. It is more common in men than women. Cigarette smoking and certain jobs that involve chemical exposure are major risk factors. People most commonly have visible or hidden blood in the urine, and sometimes flank pain.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD says the most common are:
- Visible or hidden blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Flank pain
- Loss of appetite and weight loss in advanced stages
- Tiredness in advanced stages
- Fever or night sweats in advanced stages
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include cancer specialists and urinary and male reproductive system specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Cancer specialists (oncologists); Urinary and male reproductive system specialists (urologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with American Cancer Society and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says cigarette smoking and occupational exposure are major risk factors. It doesn't describe a genetic cause here.
Also known as: renal pelvis and ureter tcc; renal pelvis and ureter transitional cell cancer; renal pelvis and ureter transitional cell carcinoma; renal pelvis and ureter urothelial carcinoma; tcc of renal pelvis and ureter; tcc of the renal pelvis and ureter
Patient organizations
- American Cancer SocietyRenal pelvis/ureter urothelial carcinoma · United States
- Bladder Cancer Advocacy NetworkRenal pelvis/ureter urothelial carcinoma · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Renal pelvis/ureter urothelial carcinoma.
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