[Plasmacytoid variant of urothelial bladder cancer. A single center experience.].

INTRODUCTION

Bladder Cancer (BC) is11th most common malignancy. In terms of pathology, the vast majority of patients suffer from transitional cell carcinoma. Apart from this common type of BC, there are many morphological subtypes with different oncological characteristics. Plasmacytoid BC is a well-recognized subtype of BC with great diagnostic importance as it usually presents in locally advanced or even metastatic stage.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate our experience in diagnosing and treating patients with this rare BC subtype.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 5 patients diagnosed with plasmacytoid BC in our department during they ears 2014-2016 was performed. Transurethral resection of the tumors was performed in all patients and pathology diagnosis of plasmacytoid variant was based on several morphologic and immunohistochemical parameters. Staging included abdominal and thoracic CT.

RESULTS

3 of 5 patients were diagnosed with metastatic disease. These patients were referred to the oncology department. 2 patients presented with non-metastatic BC after initial staging and thus a radical cystectomy was performed. Follow up of all patients was carried out and their survival was recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that despite the fact that the plasmacytoid variant of BC is rare, it is important to take into account the pathologic and clinical features of this tumor in order to manage the optimal treatment of this poor prognosis cancer.