EXTRAPULMONARY SMALL CELL CARCINOMA: TREATMENT AND PROGNOSIS

Small cell carcinoma (SCC) is derived from neuroendocrine cells. Lung is the most common site. Four percent of SCC is localized at extrapulmonary tissue such as cervix, bladder, larynx, esophagus, trachea, breast, pancreas, colon, rectum, prostate, and paranasal sinuses. In this study, we evaluated five cases with extrapulmonary SCC. Four patients were male, 1 female. Median age was 43 years (range 18-49). Tumor localization were as follows: pancreas 2, bladder 1, cervix 1, larynx 1. One patient had extensive disease and the others had localized disease. Two patients died due to progressive disease at 2 and 4 months without any treatment. Two of the older three patients were treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, 1 with only chemotherapy. We obtained 1 partial remission and 2 complete remissions. Two patients died at 11 and 48 months due to relapse. The other patient is still alive at 28+ months in complete remission. There is not consensus on treatment of extrapulmonary SCC. Patients with good performance status should be treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Keywords: extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma, treatment, prognosis