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. 2011:2011:543272.
doi: 10.1155/2011/543272. Epub 2011 Aug 4.

Review of small cell carcinomas of the prostate

P Furtado  1 , M V A Lima, C Nogueira, M Franco, F Tavora
Affiliations

Review of small cell carcinomas of the prostate

P Furtado et al. Prostate Cancer. 2011.

Abstract

Small cell carcinoma of the prostate is a rare neoplasm, with only a few series hitherto reported. A little less than half of the cases are associated with conventional acinar adenocarcinoma, which are usually high grade. Although consensus has not been reached, the majority of patients with small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the prostate have advanced disease at diagnosis and disproportionally low PSA levels compared to patients with conventional acinar adenocarcinoma. Treatment consists mainly of chemotherapy associated with surgery. Radiation therapy is reserved for selected cases. This study reviews the most up-to-date information on small cell carcinomas of the prostate.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Low power of small cell carcinoma (left) associated with Gleason 7 acinar adenocarcinoma (right).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Combined acinar adenocarcinoma and small cell carcinoma diagnosed in a needle biopsy.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The same case as in Figure 2. Note gradual merging of small cell carcinoma with glands of acinar adenocarcinoma.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Perineural invasion by the small cell carcinoma component, diagnosed in a needle biopsy.
Figure 5
Figure 5
PSA immunostain showing strong positivity in benign prostate glands, whereas the neuroendocrine tumor is faint to absent.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Small cell carcinoma with strong positivity for chromogranin immunostain.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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