Primary Small-Cell Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Small-cell carcinoma of the bladder (SCCB) is an uncommon and aggressive malignancy of the urinary tract. Its clinical presentation often mimics that of other bladder neoplasms, posing a diagnostic challenge. This case report presents a rare instance of SCCB in a 65-year-old female, shedding light on the diagnostic journey and emphasizing the need for heightened and prompt clinical suspicion due to its aggressive nature. The patient presented to the urological department with hematuria, dysuria, and hypogastric pain. Initial investigations revealed a bladder mass, prompting biopsies with inconclusive results. A comprehensive histopathological examination, including immunohistochemistry, confirmed a SCCB. A computed tomography (CT) scan was used to evaluate local and distal extention. Following the initial evaluation, a referral to an oncological service was needed. Diagnoses encompassed SCCB, with interventions that comprise chemotherapy without radical cystectomy. Despite the rarity of SCCB, timely and accurate diagnosis facilitated a tailored multidisciplinary approach, leading to prompt clinical oncology management. This case demonstrates the importance of meticulous diagnostic evaluation in rare malignancies, guiding individualized therapeutic strategies for optimal patient outcomes.