Ureteral tumor in an ectopic duplex system: a case report

J Med Case Rep. 2019 Mar 8;13(1):70. doi: 10.1186/s13256-019-1974-2.

Abstract

Introduction: Ureteral ectopia is a rarely observed anomaly. It may be totally asymptomatic. An association with a duplex system is exceptional. Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are challenging. Carcinologic surgery must consider the anatomic variant, mainly related to the ectopic site of the ureteral orifice.

Observation: We report a case of a ureteral urothelial carcinoma in a North African 52-year-old male patient, in a right duplex system. Radiological explorations concluded a non-functional upper right kidney. A suspect mass was observed in the lumbar part of the ureter of the right upper system. The meatus of the tumorous ureter ended in the right lobe of the prostate. A right hemi-nephro-ureterectomy was performed. A histological examination concluded a pT2G2 urothelial carcinoma.

Conclusion: Even if malignancy is rarely observed in ureteral ectopia, it should be evoked mainly in cases of hematuria with risk factors for urothelial tumors.

Keywords: Nephroureterectomy; Ureter abnormalities; Ureteral neoplasms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Congenital Abnormalities / diagnostic imaging*
  • Congenital Abnormalities / pathology
  • Hematuria / etiology
  • Humans
  • Kidney Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Kidney Neoplasms / pathology
  • Kidney Neoplasms / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ureter / abnormalities
  • Ureter / pathology*
  • Ureteral Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ureteral Neoplasms / pathology
  • Ureteral Neoplasms / surgery
  • Urologic Surgical Procedures