Primary small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the urinary bladder: A rare case and a review of the literature

Small cell neuroendocrine tumor of the urinary bladder: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Bladder cancer is predominantly characterized by urothelial carcinomas, but small cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (SCNEC) represent a rare and aggressive subset.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 50-year-old male presented with painless hematuria and voiding difficulties. Ultrasonography revealed a 3.2 × 3 × 1.8 cm lesion with irregular margins and microcalcifications in the bladder. Computed tomography urography suggested an intra-vesical protruding mass. The patient underwent transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT). Histopathological examination confirmed SCNEC and papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential (PUNLMP), with high Ki-67 (90 %). PET-CT ruled out metastasis. Treatment included chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

At one-year follow-up, the patient was undergoing radiotherapy after completing chemotherapy. This case highlights the importance of multimodal treatment for aggressive bladder cancers, emphasizing TURBT, adjuvant chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Comprehensive management, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, is critical in treating rare and aggressive bladder cancers like SCNEC, leading to improved outcomes.