Carcinoma of the renal pelvis following the abuse of phenacetin-containing analgesic drugs.

Five cases of renal pelvic carcinoma are reported in female patients who abused phenacetin-containing analgesics. The mechanism of carcinogenesis in analgesic abuse is discussed and epidemiological factors are considered. The possibility of development of a renal pelvic tumour in patients with analgesic nephropathy is emphasised.