Rare and unusual histological variants of prostatic carcinoma: clinical significance

We review the clinicopathological features of the following unusual histological variants of prostatic carcinoma: small cell carcinoma, ductal adenocarcinoma, sarcomatoid (carcinosarcoma), basal cell, squamous cell and adenosquamous, and urothelial carcinoma. These variants are rare and account for 5-10% of carcinomas that originate in the prostate. Some develop from acinar adenocarcinoma after hormonal or radiation therapy. They are usually aggressive tumours that often present with secondary deposits. The outcome is generally poor. Only basal cell carcinoma is seen as a low-grade carcinoma.