Transitional Cell Cancer of the Renal Pelvis and Ureter

The renal pelvis is the top part of the ureter, in the kidney, and the ureter is a long tube that connects the kidney to the bladder. The renal pelvis and ureters are lined with transitional cells. These cells can change shape and stretch without breaking apart. Transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and the ureter starts in these cells.

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 risk factors for these cancers.

According to the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program estimates, renal pelvis cancer and kidney cancer combined will be diagnosed in some 81,800 people and about 14,890 people will die of these diseases in the United States in 2023.

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

Source: National Cancer Institute