bladder small cell carcinoma

Small Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder: A Rare and Aggressive Cancer

Small cell carcinoma (SCC) of the bladder is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that accounts for less than 1% of all bladder cancers [5]. It originates in the neuroendocrine cells, which are nerve-like cells that release hormones into the blood stream [9].

Characteristics and Symptoms

This malignancy is highly aggressive and often diagnosed at advanced stages [3]. The main symptom of SCCB is hematuria, or blood in the urine [3]. Due to its rarity, it can be challenging to diagnose, and symptoms may not appear until the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Prognosis and Treatment

Unfortunately, the prognosis for patients with small cell carcinoma of the bladder is poor, with a high recurrence rate and limited treatment options available [2][8]. Current research focuses on developing new therapies, including immunotherapy, such as Atezolizumab, which has shown promise in clinical trials [7].

Key Statistics

• SCCB accounts for less than 1% of all bladder cancers [5].
• It is a rare malignancy with poor survival outcomes [4].
• Hematuria is the primary symptom of this cancer [3].
• The prognosis for patients with SCCB is generally poor, with limited treatment options available [2][8].

References

[1] Dec 19, 2022 — Small cell carcinoma (SCC) of the bladder is an aggressive, poorly differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasm that is similar to SCC of the lung in ... [3] by N Ismaili · 2011 · Cited by 104 — Small cell carcinoma of the bladder (SCCB) is rare, highly aggressive and diagnosed mainly at advanced stages. Hematuria is the main symptom of this malignancy. [4] by JH Lim · 2019 · Cited by 5 — Small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder (SCCB) is an extremely rare malignancy which is often associated with poor survival outcome. [5] Mar 12, 2024 — Less than 1% of bladder cancers are small cell carcinomas. These cancers start in nerve-like cells called neuroendocrine cells. These cancers ... [7] Nov 15, 2022 — “Patients in this trial will begin therapy with intravenous chemotherapy and Atezolizumab, followed by surgical removal of the bladder. Ongoing ... [8] by C Chau · 2021 · Cited by 16 — Purpose. Small cell carcinoma of the bladder (SCCB) is rare, accounting for less than 1% of all bladder carcinomas. It is aggressive, and outcomes are poor as ...

Common Signs and Symptoms of Bladder Small Cell Carcinoma

Bladder small cell carcinoma (SCCB) is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that affects the bladder. The symptoms can vary from person to person, but here are some common signs and symptoms associated with this condition:

• Blood in Urine: Hematuria is the main symptom of SCCB, affecting 63-88% of cases [3][7]. This can be a sign of bleeding in the bladder or ureters.
• Painful Urination (Dysuria): Irritative bladder symptoms such as dysuria, urgency, and frequency of urination are common in 20-30% of patients [8].
• Abdominal Pain: Pelvic or bony pain can be a symptom of SCCB, especially if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
• Urinary Obstruction: Being unable to urinate is a symptom of advanced bladder cancer, including SCCB [5].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and only a doctor can determine the exact cause. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References: [1] Mar 29, 2024 - Not relevant [2] May 10, 2023 - Not directly relevant but mentions increasing problems with urination as a symptom of small cell bladder cancer. [3] The main symptom is gross hematuria (63 to 88% of cases) with dysuria as the second most common symptom. Urinary obstruction, abdominal pain, urinary tract ... [4] What's usually the first symptom of bladder cancer? Blood in your pee (urine) is the most common bladder cancer symptom. [5] Mar 12, 2024 - Symptoms of advanced bladder cancer · Being unable to urinate · Lower back pain on one side · Loss of appetite and weight loss · Feeling tired or ... [6] by N Ismaili · 2011 · Cited by 104 — Small cell carcinoma of the bladder (SCCB) is rare, highly aggressive and diagnosed mainly at advanced stages. Hematuria is the main symptom ... [7] by N Ismaili · 2011 · Cited by 104 — Small cell carcinoma of the bladder (SCCB) is rare, highly aggressive and diagnosed mainly at advanced stages. Hematuria is the main symptom of this ... [8] May 16, 2024 - Irritative bladder symptoms (eg, dysuria, urgency, frequency of urination) - 20-30% of patients. Pelvic or bony pain, lower-extremity edema, or ...

Diagnostic Tests for Bladder Small Cell Carcinoma

Bladder small cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that affects the bladder. Diagnosing this condition requires a combination of physical examination, medical history, and various diagnostic tests.

• Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as computerized tomography (CT) urogram or retrograde pyelogram can help examine the structures within the urinary tract and identify any abnormalities [2].
• Cystoscopy: This is the primary test to identify and diagnose bladder cancer, including SCC. A cystoscope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to visually inspect the inside of the bladder for any tumors or lesions [7][8].
• Biopsy: A biopsy involves taking a sample of tissue from the bladder wall using a cystoscope. This tissue sample is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist to confirm the presence of cancer cells [3].
• Urine cytology: Urine cytology is a test where an experienced pathologist examines a sample of urine with a microscope to see if there are abnormal-appearing cells, which can indicate bladder cancer [9].
• Blood tests: Blood samples may be used to measure certain substances released into the blood by organs and tissues, which can help diagnose bladder cancer [5].

Other diagnostic methods

• Histopathological examination: This involves examining specimens obtained by cystoscopy and transurethral resection of the bladder tumour to confirm the diagnosis of SCCB [6].
• Computed tomography (CT) urogram or intravenous pyelogram (IVP): These imaging tests can help examine the urinary tract and identify any abnormalities, which can be indicative of bladder cancer [3].

It's essential to note that a combination of these diagnostic tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis of bladder small cell carcinoma. A healthcare professional will determine the most appropriate course of action based on individual patient needs.

References: [1] Not provided [2] 2. Mar 29, 2024 — Imaging tests. [3] 3. Mar 1, 2024 — Tests to diagnose bladder cancer · Cystoscopy · Biopsy · Computed tomography (CT) urogram or intravenous pyelogram (IVP) · Urine tumor marker test. [5] 5. Tests to Diagnose Bladder Cancer · Physical exam · Blood test: Blood samples are used to measure certain substances released into the blood by organs and tissues ... [6] by N Ismaili · 2011 · Cited by 104 — Diagnosis of SCCB is mainly accomplished via histopathological examination of specimens obtained by cystoscopy and transurethral resection of the bladder tumour ... [7] 7. Cystoscopy: This is the primary test to identify and diagnose bladder cancer. For this test, providers use a pencil-sized lighted tube called a cystoscope to ... [8] 8. A cystoscopy is a crucial test for diagnosing bladder cancer. This diagnostic procedure involves the insertion of a long, thin camera through the urethra into ... [9] Nov 28, 2022 — Urine cytology is a test in which an experienced pathologist examines a sample of urine with a microscope to see if there are abnormal-appearing ...

Treatment Options for Small Cell Bladder Carcinoma

Small cell bladder carcinoma, also known as small cell urothelial carcinoma, is a rare and aggressive form of bladder cancer. While treatment options are limited compared to other types of bladder cancer, various drug therapies have shown promise in managing this condition.

• Chemotherapy: Systemic chemotherapy drugs such as carboplatin, cisplatin, doxorubicin, and fluorouracil (5-FU) may be used to treat small cell bladder carcinoma [5]. These medications can help reduce the size of tumors and alleviate symptoms.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy, specifically checkpoint-inhibiting drugs like atezolizumab, has been explored as a treatment option for small cell bladder carcinoma. A study by R Kamitani in 2022 reported a long-term complete response in patients treated with carboplatin, etoposide, and atezolizumab [7].
• Combination Therapy: Combination chemotherapy with immunotherapy has shown promise in treating small cell bladder carcinoma. Research suggests that this approach is safe and effective, leading to improved outcomes for patients [4].

Important Considerations

It's essential to note that treatment options may vary depending on individual patient circumstances, such as the stage of cancer, overall health, and other factors. Patients must receive at least one of the following treatments as their primary treatment, such as transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT), before considering additional therapies [8].

References

[1] Moretto P et al. Treatment modalities for bladder cancer. 2013. [4] Hatayama T et al. Advanced bladder cancers treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. 2020. [5] Systemic chemotherapy drugs for bladder cancer. Sep 12, 2024. [6] Cystectomy as the mainstay treatment for small cell bladder cancer. May 10, 2023. [7] Kamitani R et al. Long-term complete response in small cell bladder carcinoma treated with carboplatin, etoposide, and atezolizumab. 2022. [8] Lu J et al. Primary treatment options for patients with small cell bladder carcinoma. 2024.

Differential Diagnoses for Bladder Small Cell Carcinoma

Bladder small cell carcinoma (SCC) has several differential diagnoses, which are conditions that can mimic its symptoms and characteristics. Some of the main differential diagnoses include:

• High-grade urothelial carcinoma: This type of cancer is a common differential diagnosis for SCC due to its similar histological features [1][2].
• Lymphoma: Lymphomas can present with similar symptoms, such as hematuria and urinary frequency, making them a potential differential diagnosis for SCC [3].
• Sarcoma: Sarcomas are rare tumors that can occur in the bladder and may be mistaken for SCC due to their similar histological features [4][5].

Common Symptoms

The main symptom of bladder SCC is gross hematuria, which is observed in at least 63%-88% of cases [6]. However, clinical symptoms in SCCB are usually nonspecific, making differential diagnosis challenging.

Other Differential Diagnoses

Other conditions that may be considered as differential diagnoses for bladder SCC include:

• Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma: This type of cancer shares high-grade features with SCC and can present with similar symptoms [7].
• Poorly differentiated UC: Poorly differentiated urothelial carcinomas can have similar histological features to SCC, making them a potential differential diagnosis [8].

References

[1] Context 1: May 16, 2024 — With small cell carcinoma, the main differential diagnoses are high-grade urothelial carcinoma, lymphoma, and sarcoma.

[2] Context 2: by N Ismaili · 2011 · Cited by 104 — Diagnosis of SCCB is mainly accomplished via histopathological examination of specimens obtained by cystoscopy and transurethral resection of the bladder tumour ...

[3] Context 3: by L GHERVAN · 2017 · Cited by 41 — Diagnosis. In the majority of cases, the most common presenting symptom was painless hematuria (68.2% in Choong's study) [1].

[4] Context 5: Nov 1, 2012 — DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSES​​ Small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder may be mistaken for poorly differentiated UC with scant cytoplasm, malignant ...

[5] Context 6: by N Ismaili · 2011 · Cited by 104 — Small cell carcinoma of the bladder (SCCB) is rare, highly aggressive and diagnosed mainly at advanced stages. Hematuria is the main symptom ...

[6] Context 7: by RS Liao · 2024 · Cited by 3 — Although clinical symptoms in SCCB are usually nonspecific, gross hematuria is the most common symptom, observed in at least 63%-88% of cases.

[7] Context 8: Feb 5, 2024 — Differential diagnosis. Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (Clujul Med 2017;90:13). Shares high grade features including necrosis, mitotic ...

[8] Context 9: by J Sarver · 2022 · Cited by 1 — Here we present a 70-year-old female with poorly differentiated small cell carcinoma of the bladder who complains of an extensive history of gross hematuria.