Primary transitional cell carcinoma of prostate

Primary transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate (TCC-P) is a rare tumor for which definitive therapy remains undefined. To establish a basis for therapy, we analyzed 3 new cases and reviewed the literature. The following points were observed: (1) the true diagnosis is often missed at initial pathologic examination; (2) the tumor has a propensity for extensive local invasion; and (3) it commonly presents with obstructive symptoms in relatively young patients. Treatment recommendations based on our review include: maintenance of a high index of suspicion, especially for fifty to sixty-year-old men with prostate tumors or for suspected prostatic adenocarcinoma that is rapidly progressive and/or unresponsive to hormonal therapy; preoperative pelvic irradiation followed by radical cystoprostatourethrectomy is the treatment of choice in low-stage disease, and combined radiation therapy and chemotherapy should be used for disease beyond the prostate.