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Small cell carcinoma of the prostate: an underrecognized entity
S N Nadig1, A R Deibler, T M El Salamony
1Department of Urology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
The Canadian Journal of Urology
|March 27, 2001
Summary
Prostate cancer can present as adenocarcinoma or the rare small cell carcinoma (SCC). Admixtures of these types may be more common, requiring early recognition for effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Adenocarcinoma is the most common prostate cancer subtype.
- Small cell carcinoma (SCC) of the prostate is rare but lethal.
- Neuroendocrine-like tumors are increasingly reported in the prostate.
Observation:
- Prostate adenocarcinoma can progress to neuroendocrine cells, resembling lung SCC.
- This transformation may stem from the totipotential nature of prostatic basal/reserve cells.
- Mixed tumors with adenocarcinoma and SCC components might be more common than previously thought.
Findings:
- Pure SCC of the prostate is rare.
- Admixtures of adenocarcinoma and SCC are potentially more prevalent.
- Histologic or clinical changes indicating SCC require careful evaluation.
Implications:
- Effective treatment for prostate SCC differs from adenocarcinoma.
- Early recognition of SCC in prostate cancer patients is critical.
- Identifying SCC may alter the disease's clinical course and patient outcomes.