Small cell carcinoma of the bladder: a case report and a literature review

Abstract

Objective: To report a case of small cell carcinoma of the bladder. To analyse Literature data concerning disease stage, treatment and prognosis of small cell carcinoma of the bladder.

Methods/results: We report a case of small cell carcinoma of the bladder with hepatic and skeletal metastases who underwent radical cystectomy and systemic chemotherapy. The patient died 9 months after surgery because of chemotherapy complications and in disease progression. The Authors reviewed and analysed Literature data concerning 139 cases of bladder small cell carcinoma with available follow-up.

Conclusions: The extreme variability of treatment options, the small number of cases and stratification by stages make it very difficult to deduce therapeutic recommendations. The management that seems to give a better survival is the combination of radical cystectomy (or radiotherapy) and chemotherapy.