Computed tomography for detection and staging of transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract

A total of 91 patients were treated for upper tract urothelial tumors between 1981 and 1991. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans and nephroureterectomy for treatment of transitional cell carcinoma were performed in 26 patients. At pathological examination, 28 tumors were diagnosed of which 19 were in the renal pelvis and 7 were in the ureter. Intravenous pyelogram, retrograde and antegrade pyelogram detected 26 of 28 tumors (93%). CT detected 24 of 28 tumors (86%). However, CT is still the best current method for staging of upper urinary tract urothelial tumors, although staging was correct in only 5 of 9 T3 and T4 tumors.