Primary small cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract: A case report

Small cell carcinoma of the urinary tract is an aggressive malignancy that comprises less than 1% of urinary bladder cancers. The renal pelvis and ureter, also lined by urothelium, are rare sites for small cell carcinoma. The diagnosis and staging of upper tract cancer are difficult due to the need for small, atraumatic instrument to access the upper tract. There are fewer than 40 reported cases of upper urinary tract small cell carcinoma. These include both pure and variant histologies. We present the management of a 72 year old male with small cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract.