[Primary small cell carcinoma of the bladder]

Primary small cell carcinomas of the bladder differ from transitional cell carcinomas by their rarity, histological characteristics, malignant potential and treatment. This study analysed the diagnostic criteria and therapeutic results obtained in a consecutive patient series over a 6-year period.7 patients (6 men and one woman) suffering from primary small cell carcinoma of the bladder were evaluated. Histological slides, treatment modalities and duration of survival were reviewed.The commonest clinical presentation was macroscopic haematuria. All tumours were invasive at the time of diagnosis. Two patients were treated by partial cystectomy, one of whom also received adjuvant chemotherapy. One patient was treated by radical cystectomy and 4 also received adjuvant chemotherapy, including 2 with neoadjuvant radiotherapy at a dosage of 65 Gy. The three patients treated by a single treatment modality (surgery alone or chemotherapy alone) had a shorter survival, in contrast with patients treated by a combination of chemotherapy and/or surgery.Primary small cell carcinomas of the bladder are rare and have a poor prognosis. Treatment must consist of a combination of neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy and surgery or radiotherapy to achieve the best results.