Ureter Cancer

Overview

Although ureter cancer is relatively rare, Mayo Clinic physicians regularly see patients with the disease, more commonly referred to by medical professionals as renal pelvic and ureteral cancer.That extensive experience has made Mayo Clinic a leader in comprehensively diagnosing and treating people with ureter cancer.

In addition, Mayo physicians and researchers have developed diagnostic methods to more accurately detect urothelial cell (transitional cell) carcinoma, a common cause of ureter cancer and other urinary (renal pelvic) tract cancers.

Diagnosis

Urologists, oncologists, and other Mayo specialists work closely together as an integrated treatment team to provide you with prompt diagnosis and professional care in a supportive, caring environment. Our collaborative care approach means you'll benefit from faster evaluations and innovative treatment approaches.

For example, Mayo Clinic has participated in the development and evaluation of new diagnostic tests, including fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The FISH diagnostic technique can detect chromosomal alterations in cells that can indicate urothelial carcinoma. Mayo physicians are deeply experienced in evaluating and interpreting clinical, pathologic, and radiographic data, which translates into an advantage in detecting and diagnosing ureter cancer in their patients. Read more about ureter cancer diagnosis at Mayo Clinic.

Treatment

Mayo physicians consult with each patient regarding treatment options for ureter cancer and establish the most effective treatment plan for that patient's needs. Mayo's collaborative approach leads to better management of your cancer with integration of treatments individualized to the patient.

Your Mayo physician will consult with you on treatment options and establish the most effective treatment plan. Mayo's collaborative approach leads to better disease management and integrated treatment that reflects your specific needs.

When ureter cancer is detected early in development, a single treatment method — most often surgery — can be effective. For more advanced cancer, a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and medication may be needed. Mayo Clinic's integrated model of care means surgeons and specialists, including urologists and oncologists, work together throughout each patient's treatment to control the cancer and preserve renal/urinary function.

Mayo's integrated approach can also provide patients with more effective treatment options, such as chemotherapy prior to surgery. Kidneys and other urinary organs/structures can better tolerate chemotherapy before surgery. Using chemotherapy before surgery can shrink cancerous growths and increase the chances that surgery will be successful, with long-term (five years or more) survival rates and preserved urinary function.

Mayo Clinic surgeons also hold great expertise in performing minimally invasive surgical techniques to treat ureter cancer. Minimally invasive surgery can limit scarring and reduce postoperative bleeding. Your surgical team will opt for minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, taking into account your overall health and cancer type/staging. Read more about ureter cancer treatment at Mayo Clinic.

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Research

Many Mayo Clinic oncologists and urologists at participate in the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, an organization that performs fundamental research into the causes of ureter cancer and in improving patient care.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) ranks the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center as a comprehensive cancer center, its highest designation, in part because of Mayo's significant resources devoted to renal pelvic and ureteral cancer. Mayo Clinic is one of only 40 comprehensive cancer centers in the nation, out of 2,000 hospitals and medical centers that list a cancer center among their services and facilities. In addition, Mayo Clinic is the first multicenter clinic in the United States to receive comprehensive cancer center designation by NCI for its entire cancer program.

Read more about ureter cancer at Mayo Clinic.