Urography and CT Features of Primary Small Cell Carcinoma of the Ureter: A Case Report

Abstract

Primary small cell carcinoma of the ureter is an extremely rare disease, only several cases have been reported worldwide so far. We report a 70-year-old woman who was examined with intravenous urography and abdominal computed tomography and was diagnosed as small cell carcinoma confirmed by pathology. We describe and discuss the urography and computed tomography findings of this case.

Primary Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Ureter: A Short Review

“…In contrast, urine sediment frequently reveals different degrees of hematuria and leukocyturia. 6,7,[17][18][19] If obstruction is complete, urine cultures may show growth of bacteria that are not the usual uropathogens. 7 Cytology specimens can demonstrate malignant neuroendocrine cells, especially if obtained during an endoscopic study.…”

“…However, most upper UT masses are initially identified with helical computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. 6,10,17,19 Finally, histologic diagnosis is usually made on tissue biopsy specimens obtained through endoscopic ureteroscopy.…”

“…6,7 Necrosis, lymphovascular invasion, and direct invasion of adjacent structures have been reported. 6,7,10,19 Furthermore, mixed ureteral neoplasms containing urothelial carcinoma and/or squamous carcinoma in addition to a NET have been well documented. 6,[15][16][17] Ureteral NETs are almost invariably aggressive neoplasms, with an elevated number of mitotic figures per high-power field.…”

Neuroendocrine Neoplasms of the Female Genitourinary Tract: A Comprehensive Overview

“…Finally, grossly, ureteral NENs are solid and sessile; they have gray to white cut surfaces, firm consistency, and peritumoral mural thickening (Figure 13) [74,110]. Microscopically, the tumor has a desmoplastic stromal reaction, a high ki-67 index (>50-60%), necrosis, adjacent structural invasion, and lymphovascular invasion, in addition to specific cellular characteristics described in the other sections (Figure 13) [74,[110][111][112].…”

“…Finally, grossly, ureteral NENs are solid and sessile; they have gray to white cut surfaces, firm consistency, and peritumoral mural thickening (Figure 13) [74,110]. Microscopically, the tumor has a desmoplastic stromal reaction, a high ki-67 index (>50-60%), necrosis, adjacent structural invasion, and lymphovascular invasion, in addition to specific cellular characteristics described in the other sections (Figure 13) [74,[110][111][112]. Histologic examination of small-cell NEC of the ureter may reveal small palisading cells with scant to moderate cytoplasm, high nuclear-cytoplasmic ratios, finely speckled chromatin, and high mitotic counts (Table 7).…”