Treating localized upper urinary tract cancer

Treating cancers shown on biopsy to be non-aggressive

For smaller cancers and where a tissue sample shows the cancer to be non-aggressive, the doctor can attempt a procedure which does not involve removing the organs. This involves inserting an endoscope into the ureter and using a laser to burn away the tumour. If this procedure is used, regular endoscopy check-ups will be needed, as it is quite common for cancers of the upper urinary tract to reoccur elsewhere in the urinary tract.

Treating cancers which a tissue sample shows to be highly aggressive

If a biopsy (tissue sample) shows that a tumour is highly aggressive, both the kidney and the whole of the ureter will need to be removed. This procedure is usually performed by making an incision in the patient’s side and a second incision in their lower abdomen. Minimally invasive surgery is not currently standard practice for this surgery and should not be used for advanced tumours.

In both cases, the patient will require regular cystoscopies as part of their follow up.