| Abstract: | Twenty-two cases of primary ureteral tumors treated at our Department between July 1971 and December 1984, were reviewed. The patients ranged from 28 to 83 years old (average 63.6 years). There were 17 males and 5 females (3.4:1). The affected side was predominantly the left (15) than the right (7). The most common site of the tumor growth was at the lower third of the ureter (14 cases, 63.6%). The most common initial symptom was macroscopic hematuria, which was seen in 17 cases (77.3%). The major finding of IVP was non-visualizing kidney in 11 cases (50.0%) and filling defect in 7 cases (31.8%). Positive urinary cytology was obtained in 9 cases (52.9%) by voided urine and 6 cases (66.6%) by catheterized urine. Total nephroureterectomy associated with partial cystectomy was performed in 14 cases (63.6%). Histologically, 19 cases were transitional cell carcinoma (86.8%). Associated growth of urothelial tumor in the bladder was found in 4 cases preoperatively and in 3 cases during the course of postoperative follow up. All of them were treated by transurethral resection. Overall survival rate at 1,2,3,4 and 5 years was 84, 71, 55, 46 and 35%, respectively, by the Kaplan-Meier method. The five year survival rate was 54% for the low stage group and 0% for the high stage group; 54% for the low grade group and 26% for the high grade group. (p value = not significant, generalized Wilcoxon test). |
