About the disease

Ureteral polyp is a polyp which develops in the ureter. Ureter is a pair of tubes responsible for transporting urine from kidneys to the urinary bladder. Ureteral polyp is a benign condition, which rarely results in serious consequences.

The exact cause of ureteral polyp is not known. There are many factors which can contribute to development of ureteral polyp. The most common one is development of kidney stones which can lead to growth of polyp. Previous bladder infections can also lead to development of ureteral polyp. Previous surgery on the ureter and traumas of ureter or bladder can lead to development of ureteral polyp as well.

In some cases a person may not even know they have ureteral polyp in case the polyp is small and does not create obstruction. In case ureteral polyp is large and creates obstruction, symptoms may be severe and also lead to problems with urination.

This condition can affect any age group, but it is most common in middle-aged people from 20 to 40 years. Also, this condition is more common among males. Also, the left tube of the ureter is more often affected. Most commonly, develops singularly, but in some cases a person may develop multiple ureteral polyps. Also, if not treated, polyps can compress other organs and affect the kidney function. In most cases they are small, 1 cm and less, but some polyps reach up to 10 cm in size.

Symptoms

• Pain when urinating
• Abdominal discomfort in the ureter area
• Blood in the urine
• Frequent urination
• Weakness

Diagnosis

• During a general examination the doctor will examine the patient to determine if there are any signs of inflammation or infection which can be causing similar symptoms.
• A blood test and an urinalysis are used to detect any signs of infections which could have caused ureteral polyp or be the primary sources of pain during urination.
• Imaging tests, such as an X-ray or CT scan, are used to examine the ureter and determine the size of the polyp if it is present and also its exact location.
• An ultrasound is another imaging test used to examine the polyp more closely and to also examine abdominal area and kidneys to see if they had been affected by the polyp.
• A biopsy is used in some cases if there is suspicion that polyp can be malignant.

Treatment

• Transurethral resection is a minimally invasive surgery used to remove the polyp without making an open incision.
• Laser treatment can sometimes be used to remove the polyp as well.
• Stent can be used if ureter is narrowed and it needs to be widened to function properly. 

Authors: Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova, Dr. Farrukh Ahmed