Urological Oncology
Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer
A less common cancer arising from the lining of the kidney's collecting system or the ureter, often presenting with blood in the urine.
Overview
Upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC) is related to bladder cancer and shares risk factors such as smoking. Diagnosis uses CT urography and ureteroscopy with biopsy. Treatment depends on stage and kidney function and may range from kidney-sparing approaches to removal of the kidney and ureter.
Common symptoms
- Blood in the urine
- Flank pain
- Sometimes found as hydronephrosis on scans
When to see a urologist
Visible hematuria, or an abnormality of the ureter or kidney lining on imaging, needs urological evaluation.
This website provides general educational information and is not a substitute for an individual medical consultation. Diagnosis and treatment should be based on assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.