Primary small cell carcinoma of the bladder.

Objectives : Primary small cell carcinomas of the bladder differ from trans itional cell carcinomas by their rarity histological characteristics, malig nant potential and treatment. This study analysed the diagnostic criteria a nd therapeutic results obtained in a consecutive patient series over a 6-ye ar period. Materials and Methods : 7 patients (6 men and one woman) suffering from pri mary small cell carcinoma of the bladder ,ere evaluated. Histological slide s, treatment modalities and duration of survival were reviewed. Results : The commonest clinical presentation was macroscopic haematuria. A ll tumours were invasive at the time of diagnosis. Two patients were treate d by partial cystectomy one of whom also received adjuvant chemotherapy. On e patient Mas treated by radical cystectomy and 4 also received adjuvant ch emotherapy?, including 2 with neoadjuvant radiotherapy at a dosage of 65 Gy The three patients treated by a single treatment modality (surgery alone o r chemotherapy alone) had a shorter survival, ill contrast with patients tr eated by a combination of chemotherapy and/or surgery Conclusion : primary small cell carcinomas of the bladder are rare and have a poor prognosis. Treatment must consist of a combination of neoadjuvant o r adjuvant chemotherapy and surgery or radiotherapy to achieve the best res ults.