Primary small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of urinary bladder: an uncommon entity to be recognized

Abstract

Introduction: To describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment outcome of neuroendocrine carcinoma of urinary bladder.

Methods: Clinical and pathological findings of 11 patients with diagnosis of small cell neuroendocrine tumour (SCNE) of urinary bladder are reviewed between Jan. 1991 to Jan 2001. Clinical data including age, sex, presenting symptoms, clinical stage at presentation, modality of treatment and outcome were determined. Sections of the tumour were studied by immunohistochemical methods using various antibodies to determine neuroendocrine pattern.

Results: Patient age ranged from 35 to 79 years (mean 60 years). The clinical presentation included, gross hematuria 6, increased urinary frequency and dysuria 3, hydroureteronephrosis with flank pain 2. 3 patients had open exploration for presumed bladder stones by suprapubic route. Undifferentiated carcinoma was the initial report in 2 and associated transitional cell carcinoma in 2 cases. Urinary cytology obtained in 4 patients showed poorly differentiated carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry showed in all cases. 7 patients had radical cystoprostatectomy with adjuvant chemotherapy and 4 patients had combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The survival ranged from 6 months to 30 months (mean 16.5 months).

Conclusion: Primary small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of urinary bladder is an aggressive malignancy with poor long-term outcome. Awareness of clinical presentation with free application of immunocytochemistry is emphasized to diagnose this unusual malignancy at earliest.