Low-grade Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (LG-UTUC)
What is Low-Grade Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (LG-UTUC)?
Low-grade upper tract urothelial cancer (LG-UTUC) is a rare form of urinary bladder cancer. It is a slow-growing and non-aggressive type of bladder cancer that affects the lining of the tubes in the upper urinary tract.
LG-UTUC usually affects people over the age of 65 and is more common in men than women. It is also more prevalent in individuals with a history of smoking.
Signs and Symptoms of Low-Grade Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (LG-UTUC)
Early symptoms of LG-UTUC can be difficult to recognize. Symptoms may include:
- Pain or burning sensation during urination
- Frequent, difficult, or painful urination
- Blood in the urine (hematuria), although this is often absent
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
Diagnosis of Low-Grade Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (LG-UTUC)
If your doctor suspects LG-UTUC, he or she will order imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasound to look for a tumor in the upper urinary tract. Your doctor may also order cystoscopy, which is an examination of the bladder using a thin instrument with a camera attached.
After imaging tests, your doctor may collect a sample of cells from the suspected tumor. The sample is then analyzed in a lab to determine whether cancer is present. If the findings are positive, further tests will be done to determine the stage of the cancer.
Treatment of Low-Grade Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (LG-UTUC)
The usual treatment for LG-UTUC is radical nephroureterectomy, which involves surgically removing the cancer and some surrounding tissue. In some cases, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may be used to treat the cancer.
Outlook for Low-Grade Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (LG-UTUC)
The outlook for LG-UTUC depends on several factors, including the stage and grade of the cancer, the age and general health of the patient, and the treatments used. In most cases, LG-UTUC can be successfully treated if caught early.