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Cancer of the renal pelvis or ureter is the presence of cancerous cells in the collection system of the kidney. This includes the part of the kidney (the pelvis and its subdivisions or calyces) that empties urine into the tube (ureter) that connects to the bladder.

Causes and Risks

Cancer of the renal pelvis or ureter includes 2 types of cancers. As a group, renal pelvis or ureter carcinomas affect 8 out of 100,000 people. It affects men twice as often as women, especially those over age 65.

Transitional cell cancer is associated with analgesic nephropathy. It is responsible for about 10% of all kidney cancers, and unlike most kidney cancers, it typically is found in middle-aged women. Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for a smaller proportion of kidney tumors in adults.

The causes of this cancer or not known. Chronic irritation of the kidney from harmful substances excreted in the urine may be a factor. Risks for carcinoma of the renal pelvis or ureter include a history of previous renal carcinoma, analgesic nephropathy, and smoking or other tobacco use.

Risks also include occupational or other exposure to nephrotoxic agents including dyes, lubricants, solvents, chemicals used in the manufacturing of leather goods, textiles, plastics, or rubber, etc.

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