Urothelial Cancer

Urothelial cancer, also known as transitional cell carcinoma, affects the kidney (renal) pelvis or ureter (tube) that drains urine from the kidney to the bladder and/or the lining of the inside of the bladder. It is the most common form of bladder cancer and occurs more frequently in men and older adults. The cause of urothelial cancer is unknown; however, some suspected causes are chronic irritation of the kidney from pain medicines, exposure to manufacturing chemicals and dyes, smoking or other tobacco use, past radiation exposure, and parasitic infections.

Symptoms of urothelial cancer include fatigue, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, anemia, constant back pain, flank pain, pelvic pain, urinary urgency, pain, burning, or discomfort when urinating, or blood in urine (hematuria).

Treatment for urothelial cancer includes surgery and chemotherapy. Bladder cancer can recur after treatment; therefore, long-term follow-up is necessary.