The prostate is a part of the male reproductive system, located below the bladder. The prostate contributes to hormone balances within the body and secretes prostate fluid, which makes up part of semen. Prostate cancer develops when prostate cells accumulate genetic mutations, allowing the cells to proliferate out of control and evade cellular death. There are several forms of prostate cancer that vary in their cell of origin and their aggressiveness.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate is a rare, but very aggressive form of prostate cancer. The cancer develops from squamous epithelial cells that surround the prostate. Squamous cell carcinoma can present has firm cancerous growths on the prostate that can be detected during a digital rectal exam, and may cause urinary tract symptoms such as an inability to urinate, according to a study published in Urologia Internationalis in 2001. The study indicated that squamous cell carcinoma readily metastasizes to other tissues, such as other organs within the pelvis or to bone tissue. The treatment for squamous cell carcinoma may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy to kill prostate cancer cells.
Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer
Neuroendocrine prostate cancer, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, develops from the hormone-producing glandular tissue within the prostate. Neuroendocrine prostate cancer cells release hormones, and secrete factors that stimulate the cell proliferation and survival of adjacent prostate cells, driving tumor formation. The cells also secrete factors needed for blood vessel growth, an essential step in tumor development. These cells occur in many prostate cancer cases, but are the predominant cancer cells in only 5 to 10 percent of prostate cancer cases, reports the University of Rochester. Tumors containing high numbers of neuroendocrine cells contain high numbers of cancer-promoting factors, allowing for aggressive tumor growth. Neuroendocrine prostate cancers are typically resistant to standard prostate cancer therapies, such as anti-androgen therapy. Neuroendocrine prostate cancer treatment may involve surgery to remove the tumor, along with radiation or chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells.
Small Cell Carcinoma
Another aggressive form of prostate cancer is small cell carcinoma of the prostate. This form of prostate cancer is very rare and often occurs in combination with other forms of prostate cancer such as adenocarcinoma, according to a study published in The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice in 2003. Pure small cell carcinoma of the prostate that occurs without other forms of prostate cancer, can cause unexplained weight loss, night sweats and abdominal pain. If left undetected, small cell carcinoma readily metastasizes to the liver, where it can eventually lead to liver failure. Patients with advanced small cell carcinoma of the prostate may receive palliative chemotherapy, designed to slow cancer cell proliferation and alleviate pain as the cancer progresses.
References
- Urologia Internationalis: Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Prostate: A Rare Clinicopathological Entity
- University of Rochester: Cancer: Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer
- The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice: Prostate Cancer with a Normal PSA: Small Cell Carcinoma of the Prostate – A Rare Entity
