[6] It has not become clear to doctors what specifically causes this disease but there are many well known risk factors, many of which are common to a variety of cancers.

A diagnosis can be made in different ways, but some of the most common diagnostic tools are intravenous pyelography and computed tomography urography.

[6] Other common symptoms associated with ureteral cancer may include back pain, unexplained weight loss, and unusual fatigue.

For example, taking an overabundance of pain medications such as phenacetin, a probable carcinogen, can lead to an increased risk.

During this procedure a thin, lighted tube equipped with a camera is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder, ureter, and renal pelvis.

Stage 0a (noninvasive papillary carcinoma) is when long, thin growths extend from the tissue lining the ureter.

Other classifications of transitional cell cancer of the ureter include localized, regional, metastatic, and recurrent.

Recurrent means that the cancer has returned after treatment has been completed; this can occur in the same location or other parts of the body.

[1] Treatment options vary based on the size and location of the tumor, how aggressive the cancer cells are, and the patient's lifestyle and expectations.

[1] After a diagnosis of ureteral cancer, surgery is oftentimes recommended to help remove the infected ureter.

[1] In less advanced cases where the cancer is only on the surface of the ureter, electrosurgery or laser therapy may be performed to remove the affected cells.

"Five-year relative survival rates from cancers of the ureter were similar among males vs. females..."[2] Of the total, 1,251 (94%) were transitional cell carcinoma of the papillary type.