Urinary tract cancers: An overview for general practice

Abstract

Urinary tract cancers are common and comprise a gamut of lesions ranging from small benign tumors to aggressive neoplasms with high mortality. The predominant urinary tract malignancy is bladder cancer. The clinical challenge is early detection and adequate follow-up because recurrence is high and delayed diagnosis is associated with poor prognosis. Primary care physicians form a key part of the management apparatus for these patients and may be responsible for ensuring adequate ongoing surveillance. This article aims to outline the evaluation of patients in whom urinary tract cancer is suspected and briefly review the general principles of treatment.

Keywords: Cancer; hematuria; screening; transitional cell; urothelial.

Figure 1

Differential diagnosis of macroscopic hematuria

Figure 2

Differential diagnosis of microscopic hematuria

Figure 3

A suggested algorithm for the diagnostic approach to microscopic hematuria. Generally consistent with American Urological Association guidelines however some authorities do not consider age alone to be a high-risk factor