Breast cancer presenting as renal colic.

A unique case of breast cancer presenting as renal colic due to ureteral obstruction is presented. Although antemortem diagnosis has been uncommon, ureteral metastases frequently are found in autopsy studies. Improvements in the management of patients with disseminated breast cancer may lead to more frequent recognition of this problem. Therapy should be directed against the tumor in general, and not specifically against the ureteral lesion unless renal function is jeopardized. Hormonal manipulation is the treatment of choice in patients with estrogen receptor-positive tumors. Ureteral catheterization or urinary diversion should be attempted only in combination with systemic injury.