About Renal Pelvis Cancer
Transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the renal pelvis and ureter. The renal pelvis is the top part of the ureter. The ureter is a long tube that connects the kidney to the bladder.
The renal pelvis and ureters are lined with transitional cells, which is where transitional cell cancer starts. Transitional cell cancer can form in the renal pelvis or the ureter, or in both. Learn about the symptoms and risk factors of renal pelvis cancer below to be informed and empowered to take charge of your health.
Symptoms and Risk Factors of Renal Pelvis Cancer
Signs and symptoms of transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter include blood in the urine and back pain.
These and other signs and symptoms may be caused by transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter or by other conditions. There may be no signs or symptoms in the early stages. Signs and symptoms may appear as the tumor grows. Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:
- Blood in the urine
- A pain in the back that doesn't go away
- Extreme tiredness
- Weight loss with no known reason
- Painful or frequent urination
Misuse of certain pain medicines can affect the risk of transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter.
Risk factors for transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter include the following:
- Misusing certain pain medicines, including over-the-counter pain medicines, for a long time
- Being exposed to certain dyes and chemicals used in making leather goods, textiles, plastics, and rubber
- Smoking cigarettes
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