Primary ureteral carcinoma. Report of 15 cases and comparison of the effectiveness of diagnostic methods.

Fifteen cases of primary urothelial carcinomas of the ureter are reported (14 transitional cell carcinoma and 1 mixed transitional cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma). There was a clear male predominance (11/4); the peak incidence was in the sixth decade. Most tumors originated from the distal third of the ureter. Multicentricity and high recurrence rate after partial ureterectomy were noted. The clinical signs were hematuria and flank pain. Urine cytology and IVU were diagnostic in a limited number of cases. Retrograde pyelography was very helpful. CT showed to be the image modality of choice for diagnosis and preoperative staging.