ABSTRACT
Objective To review the clinical features of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the prostate (SCPCa). Methods The ages of 4 cases were 25-77 years. Four cases had progressive dysuria with 2 cases had chronic urinary retention and 2 had upper urinary tract hydronephrosis. On admission, all cases were palpated a hard prostate mass in digital rectal examination. Serum tPSA were 0. 57-6.36 ng/ml with a ratio f/t PSA 0. 26-0.63. B ultrasound, CT and MRI detected 3.9 cm×3. 9 cm×1.6 cm-11.3 cm×7. 9 cm×9. 5 cm irregular shape mass in prostate. 2 cases had seminal vesicle involved, 2 cases had rectum involved, 2 had unilateral ureter involved, and 1 case had sacrum involved. Pelvic lymphonodes metastasis were seen in 3 cases. Bone scan detected multiple bone metastasis in 3 patients. Results The final diagnoses were accomplished by prostate biopsy. Under light microscope, tumor cells were orbivular-ovate or fusiform shape, small volume, and had little cytoplasm. The margin of tumor cells was not clear. Caryokinesis phase could be found with hyperchromatic chromatin. Immunohistochemistry showed positive ChA staining in 4 eases, positive NSE expression in 2 patients and negative PSA in 4 cases. 3 cases were given cisplatin-based chemotherapy, pelvic radiation, or chemotherapy plus radiotherapy. All patients appeared widespread metastasis quickly and died or lost visit within one year. Conclusions SCPCa is a rare, poor prognosis malignancy with early extensive metastasis. The diagnosis is based on pathology.