Primary carcinoma of the renal pelvis and ureter. A collective review.

During an 18-year period, 17 patients with renal pelvic and 8 with ureteral carcinoma were seen in our clinic. The lesion was transitional cell carcinoma in 23 patients, and epidermoid and anaplastic carcinoma, respectively, in 2 others. Because of frequent tumour recurrence in the lower tract, we recommend total nephroureterectomy including a cuff of the bladder as the treatment of choice for renal pelvic neoplasms. For ureteral tumours, less aggressive and conservative procedures can be considered.