Clinicopathologic features of the ureteral neuroendocrine tumors

Ureteral small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma: A case report and short review

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Primary small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNEC) in the urinary tract represents less than 0.5 % of urinary tract cancers, and bladder or prostate are the most common sites. Early diagnosis and treatment of ureteral SCNECs are challenging due to nonspecific clinical symptoms and radiographic findings.

CASE PRESENTATION

Here, we described a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge of a 56-yearold male with recurrent right flank pain that did not relieve with analgesics alone. The patient underwent several non-invasive to invasive procedures revealing nonspecific inflammation pathology of the ureter that later developed into protruded papillary mucosa resembling polypoid cystitis. Later, an abdominal multi-slice computed tomography examination suggested a malignant mass and was confirmed as SCNEC from the pathological analysis. After several successful chemotherapy cycles and surgical procedures, cancer reoccurred, and the patient's general condition deteriorated. He passed away a year after a radical cystoprostatectomy and nephroureterectomy on his right side.

CLINICAL DISCUSSIONS

The occurrence of primary SCNEC is a highly uncommon phenomenon. As SCNEC arises from pluripotent stem cells that have differentiated into neuroendocrine cells, some patients may exhibit paraneoplastic syndrome. The patient's prognosis of this tumor is poor, even for patients in the earliest phases, because SCNEC is characterized by highly aggressive local invasion and distant metastases.

CONCLUSIONS

This case highlights the importance of accurate early diagnosis and treatment of recurrent flank pain and considering the possibility of a malignant tumor as the cause of obstruction.

Neuroendocrine Neoplasms of the Female Genitourinary Tract: A Comprehensive Overview

Simple Summary

Primary neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a rare, heterogeneous group of tumors that include well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors, poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma, and paraganglioma. NENs in the urinary tract are observed in <0.05% of individuals, in whom the bladder is the most common site. In this review, we described the epidemiology, pathogenesis, imaging, staging, and management of the genitourinary NENs.

Abstract

Primary neuroendocrine neoplasms are a rare heterogeneous group of tumors that include well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors, poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma, and paraganglioma. An extensive literature search was used to compile the data regarding epidemiology, pathogenesis, imaging features, and management of the urinary system NENs. We also included the updated staging of the NENs at various locations of the urinary system.

Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the ureter

INTRODUCTION

We report a rare case of an extramedullary plasmacytoma of the ureter.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 77-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of left hydronephrosis. Computed tomography showed a tumor in the left ureter, and tumor invasion into the periureteric fat was suspected. Urine cytology showed Eatypical cells whose nuclei were hyperchromatic (class IIIb). The left ureteral tumor was diagnosed as urothelial carcinoma (cT3N0M0) preoperatively. Subsequently, we performed laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision. The tumor was pathologically diagnosed as a plasmacytoma. Postoperative positron emission tomography did not reveal abnormal uptake, and bone marrow aspiration findings were normal. Consequently, the left ureter tumor was diagnosed as an extramedullary plasmacytoma of the ureter.

CONCLUSION

Extramedullary plasmacytoma commonly occurs in the upper respiratory tract or upper gastrointestinal tract. Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the ureter is rare. This is only the fourth reported case of extramedullary plasmacytoma of the ureter.