Carcinoma of the seminal vesicle

Strict criteria were applied to 12 cases of carcinoma of the seminal vesicle in the Mayo Clinic tumor registry. Diagnosis was carcinoma of the seminal vesicle if the neoplasm was a papillary or anaplastic carcinoma localized primarily to the seminal vesicle and no other primary tumors were demonstrated. In addition, some degree of mucin production was required, especially when prostatic involvement was present. Only 2 of our cases and 35 cases reported previously were judged acceptable or probable cases of carcinoma of the seminal vesicle. Prognosis for patients with this tumor is poor. A combination of extirpative surgery and hormonal therapy appears to provide the best opportunity for extended survival, although this remains to be proved.