Cancer of the renal pelvis or ureter is cancer that forms in the
kidney's pelvis or the tube that carries urine from the kidney
to the bladder. Transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis or
ureter Causes, incidence, and risk factors Cancer can grow in
the urine collection system, but is uncommon. As a group, renal
pelvis and ureter cancers account for about 5% of all cancers of
the kidney and upper urinary tract. They affect men more often
than women and are more common in people older than 65. Tumors
of the renal pelvis and ureter are usually transitional cell
cancers. Approximately 10% are squamous cell carcinomas. The
causes of this cancer are not completely known. Long-term
(chronic) irritation of the kidney from harmful substances
removed in the urine may be a factor. This irritation may be
caused by: These tests may reveal a tumor or show that the
cancer has spread from the kidneys. The goal of treatment is to
eliminate the cancer. Surgery to remove all or part of the
kidney (nephrectomy) is usually r