Kidney and Ureteral Cancer

Kidney and ureteral cancers are tumors that can lead to serious consequences for a person's health. Kidney cancer can arise from the renal parenchyma (renal cell carcinoma, hypernephroma) and from the epithelium of the renal pelvis (adenocarcinoma). Ureteral cancer, in turn, is morphologically similar to the structure of bladder cancer.

Renal cell kidney cancer occurs most often after the age of 50 years. The tumor can reach large sizes, invade the kidney capsule, renal and inferior vena cava, and metastasize to the lymph nodes, lungs, bones and liver. The first sign of the disease is often massive hematuria (in 40-70% of patients), which later, in case of inoperable kidney cancer, becomes a significant severe manifestation of the disease and leads to severe anemia. Another early symptom is an increase in body temperature in the afternoon to 38-39 “C.

To diagnose kidney cancer, intravenous and retrograde pyelography, ultrasound and computed tomography are used. However, selective renal angiography is of primary importance in diagnosis. The extent of the spread of the disease is determined by radiography and scintigraphy of the lungs and skeletal bones.

Treatment for kidney cancer involves nephrectomy, in which the affected kidney is removed. For localized renal cell carcinoma, the kidneys undergo nephrectomy, after which the 5-year survival rate is 40-70%. Nephrectomy is also performed in the presence of metastases in the lungs and sometimes in the bones. Drug therapy is sometimes effective. Fluorobenzotef, tamoxifen, and also reaferon are used for metastases to the lungs.

Ureteral cancer, in turn, affects the lower third of the ureter, manifests itself as lower back pain and hematuria, and leads to blockage of the ureter with the development of atrophy or hydronephrosis of the kidney. Infiltrates the submucosal and muscular layer. Ureteral cancer metastasizes to the liver, lymph nodes, lungs, brain, bones and other organs.

To diagnose ureteral cancer, X-ray (including computed tomography), endoscopic and ultrasound examination of the urinary tract is used. To clarify the extent of tumor spread, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) may be prescribed.

Treatment for ureteral cancer depends on the stage and extent of the tumor. Surgery such as ureterectomy or nephrectomy may be recommended for localized tumors. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used as adjunctive treatment, especially if metastases are present. However, ureteral cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, when treatment can be difficult.

Overall, early detection and treatment of kidney and ureteral cancer are key to improving chances of survival. Regular medical examinations, including ultrasound and urine testing for blood, can help in early detection of these diseases.