Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate: A rare clinicopathological entity - Report of 2 cases and review of literature

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate is an uncommon clinicopatho logical entity. It differs from more common adenocarcinomas in its cell of origin, biological behavior, therapeutic response to the usual hormonal man ipulation and prognosis. The review shows that squamous cell carcinoma is b iologically more aggressive than adenocarcinoma, Despite the agreement on i ts uniqueness, a controversy exists on the exact histopathogenesis, diagnos tic criteria and modality of treatment. We report on 2 patients with primar y squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate. One patient presented with lower urinary tract symptoms with a hard nodular prostate on digital rectal exam ination, and the other with acute urinary retention on normal digital recta l examination. The evaluation revealed metastasis in the pelvic and right f emur in both cases. Palliative transurethral resection of the prostate with chemotherapy (Adriamycin based) was given in both the cases. However, both the patients died at 4 and 5 months of follow-up, respectively. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.