Small cell carcinoma - Urinary bladder

Abstract

Primary small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the urinary bladder is a rare type of poorly differentiated and highly aggressive tumor. It accounts for <0.7% of all cancers arising from the bladder. Small-cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is frequently found in conjunction with other histologic types such as urothelial carcinoma (transitional cell carcinoma [TCC]), squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. Although the tumor shares similar histological features like small-cell carcinoma originating from other sites of the body, its clinical picture is very similar to conventional TCC of the urinary bladder. Unknown etiology and pathogenesis makes its diagnosis and treatment difficult. Here, we report a case of small-cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder, its clinical presentation, pathological characteristics, behavior, management, and outcome.