Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC)

Facing an Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) diagnosis? Choosing the right treatment path can empower you to enjoy the best quality of life once you're cancer free. Trust Hoag. Our multidisciplinary team of urologists, urologic oncologists and radiation oncologists are dedicated not only to helping you beat cancer, but also to finding the treatments and rehabilitation options that preserve normal urinary function and help ensure a more complete recovery.

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Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) Services at Hoag

Hearing you have Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) may stop you in your tracks. But you can breathe easy knowing Hoag is with you in the fight every step of the way. In addition to board-certified urologists and world-renowned urologic oncologists, Hoag's urologic cancer team includes physical therapists, dietitians, counselors, dedicated clinical nurse navigators and California's most advanced pelvic floor therapy program, all dedicated to helping you come back strong from cancer.

Common Questions

What is Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC)? 

Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) is the most common type of cancer of the bladder and urinary tract. This type of cancer begins in the urothelial cells lining the interior of the bladder, ureters, urethra, renal pelvis and other urinary-related organs. Because other parts of the urinary tract are also lined with urothelial cells, cancer that begins in one area can spread to other parts of the urinary system. These abnormal cells can eventually accumulate into tumors that can potentially spread to other areas of the body.

What are the symptoms of Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC)?

The symptoms of Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) can be different for every patient, but common symptoms can include: 

  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Blood in the urine
  • The frequent urge to urinate
  • Feeling like you need to urinate but being unable to
  • Pain in the pelvis or lower back.

What are the risk factors for Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC)?

A definitive answer for why some people develop Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) is still being sought by researchers. Some of the known or suspected risk factors for developing UTUC are:

  • Family history of cancers related to the bladder, kidney or urinary tract system. 
    • Hoag Family Cancer Institute offers a Hereditary Cancer Program to assess a person’s family history and any associated risk for cancer. Learn more by calling 949-764-5764.
  • Smoking, which is a known factor in half of all bladder cancers
  • Exposure on the job to aromatic amines, including benzene, toluene, naphthalene, pyridine, purine and other solvents. 
  • Occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are chemicals that can be released when burning coal, oil, gasoline, wood, tobacco, trash, in motor vehicle exhaust or other smoke. Cigarette smoke is particularly high in PAHs.

How can I reduce my risk of developing Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC)? 

Ways to reduce your risk of developing Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) include:

  • Wear proper protective equipment, including a correctly-rated respirator, when working around solvents or any sort of smoke emanating from burning materials. 
  • Don’t smoke cigarettes
  • Reduce your intake of grilled or charred meats or foods.

How is Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) diagnosed?

If you are experiencing any symptoms that might suggest Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC), including noticeable blood in your urine no matter how slight, please see your doctor. Once you do, your doctor will likely perform a thorough physical exam and do a urinalysis. Depending on the outcome of those tests, your doctor may refer you for other tests that may include: 

  • Ultrasound
  • CT scan
  • Ureteroscopy
  • Urine cytology
  • Surgical biopsy 

 

The Hoag Family Cancer Institute offers world-class programs for urologic cancer of all types, including bladder cancer, with multidisciplinary teams, state-of-the-art facilities and technology and the latest in cancer therapies. Explore urologic cancer care at Hoag. 

 

Hoag’s Clinical Nurse Navigator Program

Hoag is a leader in peace of mind for cancer patients through our Clinical Nurse Navigator program. This unique program provides cancer patients and their families with access to nurses who have specialized training in specific cancers. These nurses serve primarily as facilitators and guides. By answering questions, providing support and serving as a trusted source of science-backed information at each phase of treatment, Hoag’s Clinical Nurse Navigators are a critical resource for patients during diagnosis, treatment and recovery.  Explore Hoag’s Clinical Nurse Navigator program.

Common Questions

What are the treatment options for Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC)?

Treatment options for Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) depend on many factors, including how advanced the cancer is when detected, your age and any other health issues you may have.  Treatments for Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) vary from patient to patient, but may include:  

    • Nephroureterectomy: Surgical removal of the entire kidney, ureter and the tissue that connects the bladder to the ureter.
    • Segmental resection of the ureter: Removal of only the part of the ureter with cancerous cells. The healthy ends of the ureter are then reattached to each other.
  • Radiation therapy
  • Hoag offers a robust Radiation Oncology Program, utilizing multiple treatment options to accurately administer radiation therapy. Providing treatment in both Newport Beach and Irvine, Hoag’s Radiation Oncology team consists of highly specialized radiation oncologists, physicists, dosimetrists, radiation therapists, radiation oncology nurses and many support team members, such as speech and swallowing therapists and oncology dietitians.

Intravesical therapy: a treatment in which medication to fight tumors is introduced directly into the bladder.

Surgery and advanced treatments at Hoag

Facing surgery can be a frightening prospect, but it is a vital component in the successful treatment of many urologic cancers. The Hoag Family Cancer Institute’s medical team includes experienced, fellowship-trained urologic oncologists who utilize the latest techniques and technology in the surgical management of many different urologic cancers, including Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC).

Robot-assisted surgery

To help patients recover faster and return to normal activities sooner, Hoag surgeons utilize the da Vinci® Surgical System to perform robot-assisted minimally invasive surgeries in some cases. Find more information about advanced robotic surgeries at Hoag at this link.

Non-surgical options

Hoag’s non surgical options, including chemotherapy and radiation therapies, are world-class as well. Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian was recently named a Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Center of Excellence (RTCoE) by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI), a distinction held by only 17 centers in the U.S. including Stanford Health Care, Harvard Medical School and the University of California — San Francisco.

Hoag Family Cancer Institute’s Radiation Oncology Program offers personalized services to treat urologic cancers. Explore advanced treatment technologies for urologic cancers available at Hoag.

Programs at Hoag

Integrated Cancer Support Services at Hoag 

At Hoag Family Cancer Institute, we’re committed to offering the best support services, resources and educational information to our patients and their families at every stage of their cancer journey. Hoag’s Integrated Cancer Support Services are open to everyone regardless of their prognosis, cancer stage or phase of recovery. 

 

Resources include: 

Find more information about Integrated Cancer Support Services at Hoag at this link.

Are there any clinical trials for Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC)?

Hoag is committed to leading the way in state-of-the-art technologies and advanced treatment options. Part of this commitment includes clinical research with the goal of helping patients live longer, healthier lives. Through carefully-planned clinical trials, researchers evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases or conditions. Treatments studied in clinical trials might be new drugs or new combinations of drugs, new surgical procedures or devices, or new ways to use existing treatments. View clinical trials for Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) here.

At Hoag, our clinical research team is committed to excellence in research and a continuing commitment to protect the interests and well-being of patients.  Contact us at 949-536-7332 to see if joining a clinical trial for Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) is right for you.

At Hoag, we understand that a cancer diagnosis may cause you and your family to experience a variety of  significant life changes. We are committed to providing you with support before, during and after treatment. Hoag’s survivorship resources help you navigate through the challenges of telling friends and family about your cancer, working while living with cancer, returning to “normal” after cancer and so much more. We strive to provide you with the resources needed to feel empowered in your everyday life.

 

Learn more about our Survivorship Support here.

Common Questions

What is Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC)? 

Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) is the most common type of cancer of the bladder and urinary tract. This type of cancer begins in the urothelial cells lining the interior of the bladder, ureters, urethra, renal pelvis and other urinary-related organs. Because other parts of the urinary tract are also lined with urothelial cells, cancer that begins in one area can spread to other parts of the urinary system. These abnormal cells can eventually accumulate into tumors that can potentially spread to other areas of the body.

What are the symptoms of Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC)?

The symptoms of Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) can be different for every patient, but common symptoms can include: 

  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Blood in the urine
  • The frequent urge to urinate
  • Feeling like you need to urinate but being unable to
  • Pain in the pelvis or lower back.

What are the risk factors for Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC)?

A definitive answer for why some people develop Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) is still being sought by researchers. Some of the known or suspected risk factors for developing UTUC are:

  • Family history of cancers related to the bladder, kidney or urinary tract system. 
    • Hoag Family Cancer Institute offers a Hereditary Cancer Program to assess a person’s family history and any associated risk for cancer. Learn more by calling 949-764-5764.
  • Smoking, which is a known factor in half of all bladder cancers
  • Exposure on the job to aromatic amines, including benzene, toluene, naphthalene, pyridine, purine and other solvents. 
  • Occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are chemicals that can be released when burning coal, oil, gasoline, wood, tobacco, trash, in motor vehicle exhaust or other smoke. Cigarette smoke is particularly high in PAHs.

How can I reduce my risk of developing Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC)? 

Ways to reduce your risk of developing Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) include:

  • Wear proper protective equipment, including a correctly-rated respirator, when working around solvents or any sort of smoke emanating from burning materials. 
  • Don’t smoke cigarettes
  • Reduce your intake of grilled or charred meats or foods.

How is Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) diagnosed?

If you are experiencing any symptoms that might suggest Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC), including noticeable blood in your urine no matter how slight, please see your doctor. Once you do, your doctor will likely perform a thorough physical exam and do a urinalysis. Depending on the outcome of those tests, your doctor may refer you for other tests that may include: 

  • Ultrasound
  • CT scan
  • Ureteroscopy
  • Urine cytology
  • Surgical biopsy 

 

The Hoag Family Cancer Institute offers world-class programs for urologic cancer of all types, including bladder cancer, with multidisciplinary teams, state-of-the-art facilities and technology and the latest in cancer therapies. Explore urologic cancer care at Hoag. 

 

Hoag’s Clinical Nurse Navigator Program

Hoag is a leader in peace of mind for cancer patients through our Clinical Nurse Navigator program. This unique program provides cancer patients and their families with access to nurses who have specialized training in specific cancers. These nurses serve primarily as facilitators and guides. By answering questions, providing support and serving as a trusted source of science-backed information at each phase of treatment, Hoag’s Clinical Nurse Navigators are a critical resource for patients during diagnosis, treatment and recovery.  Explore Hoag’s Clinical Nurse Navigator program.

Common Questions

What are the treatment options for Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC)?

Treatment options for Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) depend on many factors, including how advanced the cancer is when detected, your age and any other health issues you may have.  Treatments for Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) vary from patient to patient, but may include:  

    • Nephroureterectomy: Surgical removal of the entire kidney, ureter and the tissue that connects the bladder to the ureter.
    • Segmental resection of the ureter: Removal of only the part of the ureter with cancerous cells. The healthy ends of the ureter are then reattached to each other.
  • Radiation therapy
  • Hoag offers a robust Radiation Oncology Program, utilizing multiple treatment options to accurately administer radiation therapy. Providing treatment in both Newport Beach and Irvine, Hoag’s Radiation Oncology team consists of highly specialized radiation oncologists, physicists, dosimetrists, radiation therapists, radiation oncology nurses and many support team members, such as speech and swallowing therapists and oncology dietitians.

Intravesical therapy: a treatment in which medication to fight tumors is introduced directly into the bladder.

Surgery and advanced treatments at Hoag

Facing surgery can be a frightening prospect, but it is a vital component in the successful treatment of many urologic cancers. The Hoag Family Cancer Institute’s medical team includes experienced, fellowship-trained urologic oncologists who utilize the latest techniques and technology in the surgical management of many different urologic cancers, including Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC).

Robot-assisted surgery

To help patients recover faster and return to normal activities sooner, Hoag surgeons utilize the da Vinci® Surgical System to perform robot-assisted minimally invasive surgeries in some cases. Find more information about advanced robotic surgeries at Hoag at this link.

Non-surgical options

Hoag’s non surgical options, including chemotherapy and radiation therapies, are world-class as well. Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian was recently named a Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Center of Excellence (RTCoE) by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI), a distinction held by only 17 centers in the U.S. including Stanford Health Care, Harvard Medical School and the University of California — San Francisco.

Hoag Family Cancer Institute’s Radiation Oncology Program offers personalized services to treat urologic cancers. Explore advanced treatment technologies for urologic cancers available at Hoag.

Programs at Hoag

Integrated Cancer Support Services at Hoag 

At Hoag Family Cancer Institute, we’re committed to offering the best support services, resources and educational information to our patients and their families at every stage of their cancer journey. Hoag’s Integrated Cancer Support Services are open to everyone regardless of their prognosis, cancer stage or phase of recovery. 

 

Resources include: 

Find more information about Integrated Cancer Support Services at Hoag at this link.

Are there any clinical trials for Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC)?

Hoag is committed to leading the way in state-of-the-art technologies and advanced treatment options. Part of this commitment includes clinical research with the goal of helping patients live longer, healthier lives. Through carefully-planned clinical trials, researchers evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases or conditions. Treatments studied in clinical trials might be new drugs or new combinations of drugs, new surgical procedures or devices, or new ways to use existing treatments. View clinical trials for Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) here.

At Hoag, our clinical research team is committed to excellence in research and a continuing commitment to protect the interests and well-being of patients.  Contact us at 949-536-7332 to see if joining a clinical trial for Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) is right for you.

At Hoag, we understand that a cancer diagnosis may cause you and your family to experience a variety of  significant life changes. We are committed to providing you with support before, during and after treatment. Hoag’s survivorship resources help you navigate through the challenges of telling friends and family about your cancer, working while living with cancer, returning to “normal” after cancer and so much more. We strive to provide you with the resources needed to feel empowered in your everyday life.

 

Learn more about our Survivorship Support here.