Transitional Cell Cancer of the Renal Pelvis and Ureter

The renal pelvis is located in the center area of the kidney where urine is collected before it flows through a long tube known as the ureter that connects the kidney to the bladder. The inside of the renal pelvis and ureters are lined with transitional cells, which is where transitional cell cancer can form.

Misuse of certain pain medicines can affect the risk of transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter. Smoking cigarettes and exposure to certain dyes and chemicals used in making leather goods, textiles, plastics, and rubber are among the other risk factors for these cancers.

According to the National Cancer Institute, it was estimated that renal pelvis cancer and kidney cancer combined would be diagnosed in some 80,980 people in the United States in 2025, and about 14,510 people would die of these diseases. Of these cancers, it is estimated that about 7% of cases are transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and about 4% are transitional cell cancer of the ureter.

Transitional Cell Cancer of the Renal Pelvis and Ureter Treatment (PDQ®)

Source: National Cancer Institute