Endometrioid adenocarcinoma in the native ureter of a renal transplant patient: case report and review of the literature

ScientificWorldJournal. 2010 Sep 1:10:1714-22. doi: 10.1100/tsw.2010.166.

Abstract

Endometriosis is characterized by endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, primarily on the pelvic peritoneum, ovaries, and rectovaginal septum, and, in rare cases, within the urinary tract (1-3%). Although endometriosis is a benign condition, malignant transformation of endometriosis is a well-described phenomenon. Malignancies arising in endometriosis are uncommon at extragonadal pelvic sites. A case of endometrioid adenocarcinoma in the native ureter of a postmenopausal renal transplant patient presented with painless gross hematuria and hydroureteronephrosis. The patient had a history of total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophrectomy 14 years prior for menorrhagia and had since been on unopposed estrogen replacement therapy. Workup revealed a filling defect in the native left mid-ureter secondary to a large 2.5-cm ureteral tumor. Endoscopic biopsies of the native left ureteral mass showed endometrioid adenocarcinoma, grade II-III. The patient ultimately underwent an open native left nephroureterectomy and temporary diverting colostomy. Final pathology confirmed endometrioid adenocarcinoma, grade II-III, arising in a background of endometriosis with negative perirectal lymph nodes. This case of ureteral endometrioid adenocarcinoma highlights the importance of obtaining a careful history and maintaining a high index of suspicion for malignant degeneration, especially in the context of hyperestrogenism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Endometrioid / complications
  • Carcinoma, Endometrioid / diagnosis*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / complications
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Endometriosis / complications
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Middle Aged
  • Ureter / pathology*