Bilateral Primary Carcinoma of the Ureter

Abstract

PRIMARY TUMORS of the ureter are uncommon, and bilateral malignant tumors of the ureter occurring simultaneously are rare. There have been previously reported only five cases of bilateral primary ureteral tumors^1-5and two other cases^6,7which occurred asynchronously. This case is noteworthy because of the rarity of the lesion, the paucity of presenting symptoms, the elderly age of the patient, and the concomitant finding of papillary carcinoma in the bladder. <h3>Report of a Case</h3> The patient (514124), an 81-year-old white sawmill worker, was admitted to the University of Virginia Hospital with a chief complaint of several episodes of hematuria and intermittent mild left flank pain for five months. For three years, he also had noticed increasing difficulty with urination, frequency, and nocturia (three to four times). The patient was normotensive and appeared somewhat younger than his stated age. Review of systems was non-contributory and past history was negative.