[Clinical studies on primary ureteral tumors]

The 15 cases of the primary ureteral tumors treated at our Hospital between 1974 and 1983, were reviewed retrospectively. The incidence of primary ureteral tumors among the outpatients in our urologic clinic was 0.15%. The patients ranged in age from 50 to 75 years old (average: 65.5 years old). There were 11 males and 4 females, the ratio being 2.8:1.0. The right ureter and the lower third of the ureter were involved more frequently than other areas. The most frequent symptom was macrohematuria which was seen in 12 cases (80%). The major finding of IVP was non-functioning kidney, which was seen in 11 cases (73.3). Positive urinary cytology was obtained in 9 cases (60%). Twelve patients underwent nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff or total cystectomy. Histologically, all cases were transitional cell carcinoma. Simultaneous urothelial tumors were seen in the bladder in 4 cases (26.7%). The over-all actual survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were 59%, 42%, 42%, respectively. The 5-year actual survival rate was 63% for the low grade group and 0% for the high grade group. The 5-year actual survival rate was 82% for the low stage group and 0% for the high stage group. Among several factors, grade and stage of the tumor were the most influencing factors for prognosis.