[Clinicopathological characterization of prostatic small cell carcinoma: a case report and review of the literature].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinicopathological characteristics, treatment and prognostic features of prostatic small cell carcinoma (SCC). METHODS: One case of SCC was reported, and the relevant literature was reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: Prostate specific antigen (PSA) was increased (39.26 ng/ml); computed tomography revealed multiple nodules in the retroperitoneum and cavita pelvis; ECT showed multiple osseous metastasis; and needle biopsy of the prostate confirmed SCC. Negative expressions of PSA, Bcl-2 and P504S were found by immunohistochemical staining. The cancer was clinically staged at T4N1M1. Because the patient was beyond surgery and refused chemotherapy, Zadaxin (thymosin alpha 1) was given to relieve the clinical symptoms. The patient died five months after the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: SCC is a rare subset of prostate cancer, with high malignancy, rapid growth, fast metastasis and very poor prognosis. Its diagnosis relies on pathological examinations. PSA cannot be a specific tumor marker of SCC, but some immunophenotypes may help its differential diagnosis. As for its treatment, surgery should be considered in the early stage; neither hormonal therapy nor chemotherapy can afford a favorable prognosis, although the latter may effect a short-term relief of the clinical symptoms.