While some types of cancer are common, affecting millions of people worldwide, others are infrequent or even rare. When patients are diagnosed with an unusual type of cancer, such as small cell prostate cancer, it can be difficult to find the right care.
Fortunately, the medical oncologists of Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) have the experience and expertise to manage all cancer types. RCCA is one of the largest oncology networks on in the country, with more than 20 locations near you in New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., area. Our expertise covers a wide range of cancer types and blood disorders, including unusual presentations. With cutting-edge techniques and a comprehensive approach to care, we help patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
Small cell carcinomas are cancers that originate in neuroendocrine cells. These are nerve cells that are found in hormone-producing glands, including the prostate. They can cause glands to produce more hormones than usual, resulting in dangerous imbalances.
Cancer is caused by mutations in DNA, the molecule that carries genetic instructions for how cells function and reproduce. Healthy cells reproduce at a steady rate to replace older cells that have died. When cells become cancerous, however, their DNA tells them to multiply much faster than usual. This creates a constantly growing mass of abnormal cells. The mass may invade healthy tissues located nearby or travel through the blood stream or other means to spread – or metastasize – in distant parts of the body.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, affecting up to one in eight, or 12%, of men. Among prostate cancers, however, small cell carcinoma is comparatively rare, accounting for less than 2% of all new prostate cancer diagnoses. Though infrequent, this type of cancer is extremely aggressive. It is one of the fastest-growing prostate cancer types.
The progression of prostate cancer is broken down into stages. These are based on the tumor’s size, its degree of mutation, and how far it has spread. Oncologists consider a cancer’s stage when deciding how best to treat it. The stages of small cell prostate cancer are as follows:
Because small cell prostate cancer is rare and fast-growing, many patients are not diagnosed until the later stages of the disease. As a result, small cell cancer is associated with poor survival rates compared with other types of prostate cancer. If the cancer is diagnosed early, however, patients have a better chance for effective treatment. This is why routine screenings are essential.
Like other prostate cancer types, small cell carcinomas rarely cause symptoms in their early stages. Noticeable signs develop as the tumor grows large enough to impede the prostate gland and urinary tract. At this point, symptoms may include:
Because small cell prostate cancer is a neuroendocrine tumor, it can also cause overproduction of certain hormones. This causes abnormally high hormone levels, leading to a set of symptoms called paraneoplastic syndrome. These symptoms may include:
If not treated promptly, small cell prostate cancer will metastasize to other parts of the body. Metastatic cancer causes widespread symptoms, such as bone pain, fatigue, and loss of appetite, as it interferes with organs throughout the body.
Like other prostate cancer types, small cell prostate cancer is often detected through routine PSA screening. This test can identify cancer long before noticeable symptoms develop. If screening identifies an abnormality, further tests are used to diagnose the cause:
To perform a digital rectal exam (DRE), the physician inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the patient’s rectum. The finger is used to feel for lumps or hard masses on the prostate.
Tumors may also be identified using medical imaging such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, or ultrasound.
The final step of diagnosis is a prostate biopsy. A small sample of tissue is removed from the prostate and examined under a microscope to determine whether cancer is present.
If cancer is confirmed, oncologists may order further tests or a bone scan. These assessments are performed to determine whether cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Small cell prostate cancer is treated differently than the adenocarcinomas that represent most cases of prostate cancer. Preferred prostate cancer treatments, such as hormone therapy, do not always work well on this type of the disease. Instead, the commonly employed treatments include:
RCCA also participates in many clinical trials. These studies give patients access to cutting-edge research in cancer care, allowing them to receive new treatments before those therapies are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for wider use.
Being diagnosed with a rare cancer like small cell prostate cancer can be frightening. Fortunately, hope exists at Regional Cancer Care Associates. We are an oncology network serving patients at more than 20 locations near you in New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., area. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
What is small cell prostate cancer?
Small cell prostate cancer is a rare cancer type that forms in neuroendocrine cells in the prostate. These are nerve cells that are responsible for producing hormones.
What are the signs of small cell prostate cancer?
Small cell prostate cancer can cause difficulty urinating and sexual dysfunction. It can also cause hormonal imbalances, leading to numb hands or feet, muscle cramps, difficulty walking, confusion, and memory problems.
How is prostate cancer detected?
Most cases of small cell prostate cancer are detected with a PSA blood test. The diagnosis is confirmed with a digital rectal examination, medical imaging, and finally a prostate biopsy.
What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?
The biggest risk factors for prostate cancer are older age, African American or Caribbean racial heritage, and a family history of prostate cancer.
What are the treatments for prostate cancer?
RCCA develops a personalized treatment plan for each patient. Treatments may include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy.
No matter which type of prostate cancer you or a loved one has been diagnosed with, Regional Cancer Care Associates is there to fight the battle with you. Our team of experts will determine the best combination of the most advanced treatments and methods, which can include chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy or surgery, to help you achieve the best possible outcome. For more information or to find an RCCA location near you, contact us today at 844-346-7222.
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