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, renal pelvis cancer and kidney cancer combined will be diagnosed in some 81,610 people in the United States in 2024, and about 14,390 people will die of these diseases. The five-year relative survival rate is 78.1%.
Transitional Cell Cancer of the Renal Pelvis and Ureter Treatment (PDQ®)Source: National Cancer Institute
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