Cancer of the ureter

Overview

Urinary tract

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Each kidney has a large cavity called the renal pelvis, which fills with urine. Urine then drains from each kidney through a tube called the ureter, into the bladder, and out of the body through the urethra. Transitional cells (urothelial cells) line these organs. Cancer of the ureter (ureteral cancer) usually occurs in transitional cells, so it falls under the broader category of transitional cell cancer (urothelial cancer). Treatment for cancer of the ureter has a high success rate when detected early.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for cancer of the ureter

• Expertise and experience. Cancer of the ureter is rare, and Mayo Clinic specialists have the experience and expertise you need to detect, accurately diagnose and treat this type of cancer.
• Advanced technology. Mayo Clinic experts developed diagnostic methods to more accurately detect urothelial cancer and pioneered the use of endoscopic procedures for diagnosis. Mayo surgeons are experts in performing minimally invasive surgical techniques that preserve urinary organs and function.
• Comprehensive cancer center. Mayo Clinic Cancer Center meets strict standards for a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center, recognizing scientific excellence and a multispecialty approach focused on cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., and Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., are ranked high performing for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

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