What is the term for the obstruction of the bladder due to advanced cervical cancer leading to upper urinary tract dilation?

• A. Hydronephrosis
• B. Hydroureter
• C. Postrenal azotemia
• D. Mastoiditis

Answer: (C)

The obstruction of the bladder due to advanced cervical cancer resulting in the dilation of the upper urinary tract is termed as postrenal azotemia. This condition occurs when there is a blockage in the urinary tract that prevents the normal flow of urine, leading to a buildup of waste products (azotemia) in the blood.

Postrenal azotemia is specifically related to issues after the kidneys in the urinary pathway, meaning that the obstruction is hindering urine drainage from the bladder, causing increased pressure that can affect kidney function over time. In cases of advanced cervical cancer, tumors can extend or metastasize to nearby structures and cause obstructive effects on the urinary system. This scenario results in the kidneys becoming distended due to retained urine, characterized by the resultant high levels of nitrogenous waste in the blood.

Hydronephrosis refers to the dilation of the renal pelvis due to pressure from urine that is unable to drain from the kidney, which can result from postrenal azotemia but is not the term describing the specific condition of azotemia itself. Hydroureter specifically refers to the dilation of the ureter. While both hydronephrosis and hydroureter can be consequences of the obstruction caused by cervical cancer, they do not specifically