Small cell carcinoma of the prostate

Small cell carcinoma of the prostate is a rare diagnostic entity that can be mistaken for high-grade conventional prostate carcinoma. It is important to recognize this tumor because of its poor prognosis and different treatment regimen from conventional prostatic carcinoma. Small cell carcinoma of the prostate shares the same morphologic and immunohistochemical profile of small cell carcinoma of the lung and extra-pulmonary sites. The clinical, histological and immunohistochemical features of this tumor are summarized and its distinction from high-grade conventional prostate carcinoma is discussed. The current concepts on pathogenesis and possible therapeutic targets for this disease are briefly examined.