What is Genitourinary tract Cancer?
Cancer occurs when cells in the body grow out of control and often form masses or tumors. In upper urinary tract cancer, abnormal cells can be found in the following places:
- Renal pelvis (where urine collects in the kidneys before moving to the ureter and bladder)
- Kidney calcification (deep space in the kidney)
- Ureter (a thin muscle tube that moves urine from the kidneys to the bladder)
Upper urinary tract cancer is relatively rare. The most common of all upper urinary tract cancers are renal pelvis cancer and renal calcification. Cancer of the ureter forms about a quarter of all upper urinary tract cancers.
Tumors of the renal pelvis, renal pelvis, and urinary tract begin in the panniculus that connects to the upper urinary tract, called the bladder and urothelium. Cancer that begins in the urinary epithelium is called urothelial (or transitional) cancer. It is also the most common type of cancer that begins in the bladder. Because many organs of the urinary system share common cells, cancers that develop in these organs often look and function the same.
The urothelium is especially expanded and contracted to push urine through the urinary tract. Due to its direct contact with urine, this lining is exposed to chemicals (carcinogens) that have been filtered from the blood by the kidneys. These chemicals can alter cells and grow them out of control, like cancer.
Causes:
The exact cause of this cancer is unknown and difficult to prevent. However, there are certain risk factors that are known to affect the development of cancer.
- Gender: Upper urinary tract cancer is diagnosed twice as often in men as in women.
- Race: Experts are trying to understand the role of race in upper ductal cancer. Like bladder cancer, upper urinary tract cancer is less common in African Americans than whites, but it is more fatal.
- Age: Like bladder cancer, upper breast cancer is most common in people over the age of 70. It is rare for people under the age of 40.
- Smoking: There is a strong link between ureteral and renal pelvis cancer and tobacco use. If you were a smoker, your risk level is related to the number of years you have smoked.
What are the risk factors?
- Long-term use of large amounts of painkillers.
- Certain herbs help you lose weight.
- Previous bladder cancer
- Previous treatment of smokers for urothelial cancer
Diagnosis:
- Medical history and physical examination: Urologists ask different questions about your medical history and examine your body with different tests. A lump is felt on the abdomen, sides, and back, and a blood test is ordered. Microscopic examination of cells in the urine (cytodiagnosis) can help find cancer in the upper urinary tract.
- Imaging: Ultrasonography and CT (Computed Tomography) are painless, non-surgical methods for examining the urinary tract. However, while CT scans can show kidney and ureteral stones, showing tumors is not very helpful. Doctors may use contrast media on CT scans to see the tumor more clearly.
- Cystoscopy: If the cause of the bleeding is still suspected, your doctor may order a cystoscopy. Cystoscopes use special fiber optic aids (such as camera lenses) to observe the urethra of the bladder and urinary tract. Endoscopy / ureteroscopy
How to Book An Appointment?
Dr. Yogesh Torkadi at Urovision Kidney Super Speciality Clinic provides the best treatment for various urological diseases in Sangamner. For more information about our comprehensive treatment options, or to request an appointment with the best Urosurgeon in Sangamner call 07666109771 or Click on Book Appointment for online booking with your near hospital.
Team Member:
