Blood in the urine should always include a ruling out of ureter cancer especially when there is history of smoking, tobacco use or a strong family history of cancer.
After being examined by the urologist, and doing basic blood and urine tests, additional tests like Urine Cytology, Cystoscopy and CT scan (The 3Cs) of the Kidney Ureters and Bladder are needed.
After a tumor or suspicious growth has been identified in the ureter it needs to be biopsied and sent for histopathological examination (HPE). The biopsy gives information about the type and aggressiveness of the cancer. Further treatment is decided based on these parameters.
The biopsy process is done by means of a ureteroscope that is inserted into the ureter through the urethra and bladder without any cuts or incisions and the tumor or a piece of it is removed and sent for histopathological examination (HPE). This process is done under spinal or general anesthesia.
Once ureter cancer has been confirmed, it requires a surgery called Radical Nephroureterectomy (Removal of the kidney and whole ureter of that side). Some individuals with superficial cancers which are small in size < 1cm, may be offered less major surgery but need very strict follow up with CT scans and ureteroscopy (endoscopy) to look for recurrence.
Dr Ashish Yevale is an experienced laparoscopic urological surgeon for ureter tumors in Pune, cancer screening in Pune.