Urothelial carcinoma in an ectopic ureter
Takanori Hanafusa1, Hitoshi Takayama, Akira Nagahara
1Department of Urology, Osaka University, Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan.
Urology
|July 25, 2009
Summary
A rare urothelial carcinoma in a left ectopic ureter with renal dysgenesis was successfully treated. Surgical removal led to a complete recovery with no recurrence after two years.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Urothelial carcinoma is a malignancy of the urinary tract lining.
- Ectopic ureters, particularly those associated with renal dysgenesis, present unique anatomical challenges.
- Malignancies within ectopic ureters are exceptionally rare, posing diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties.
Observation:
- A 72-year-old male presented with a rare case of urothelial carcinoma.
- The tumor was located in a left ectopic ureter, which drained into the prostatic urethra, stemming from a dysgenetic kidney.
- Diagnosis was confirmed via magnetic resonance imaging and transurethral resection.
Findings:
- The patient underwent a left total nephroureterectomy and radical prostatectomy.
- Histopathologic examination of the surgical specimen revealed a G2 pT1 papillary urothelial carcinoma of the ureter.
- The distal ureter was found to be draining directly into the prostate.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare urinary tract malignancies in ectopic ureters.
- Surgical management, including nephroureterectomy and prostatectomy, can be effective for localized urothelial carcinoma in this setting.
- Long-term surveillance is crucial for patients treated for rare urological cancers.
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