[Diagnostic, clinical and therapeutic aspects of primary transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate]

Transitional cell carcinoma is a rare neoplasm with an reported incidence of 2%. It is biologically different from adenocarcinoma in that it is not hormonally responsive and it is not associated with an elevated serum acid phosphatase. It is marked by local invasiveness and distant metastases. Transitional cell carcinoma has its origin at the level of the periurethral ducts in the area of the junction of the cylindrical and transitional epithelium. Transitional cell carcinoma can be distinguished from adenocarcinoma and carcinoma endometriode exclusively for its histological aspect. Various therapies have been used to treat transitional cell carcinoma but with poor results. Surgical treatment is still today the most efficient with a surviving average of 2 years. The Authors report 3 new cases, discussing diagnostic, clinical and therapeutical aspects of this rare neoplasm.