Pure small cell carcinoma of the prostate: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Primary small cell carcinoma of the prostate (SCPCa) is a rare pathologic entity with unique clinical features and a poor prognosis. We present a case of a patient diagnosed with pure SCPCa treated with a combined chemo- radiotherapeutic approach. Pathological findings showed that the neoplastic cells exhibited positivity for pancytokeratin, synaptophysin, thyroid transcription factor-1 and CD56. Immunostaining for prostate-specific antigen was negative, while serum prostate-specific antigen was within normal limits. We review the available literature to gain additional information about diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of pure SCPCa. © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.