Small Cell Cancer of the Pleura, Kidney, and Thymus

Small cell carcinoma is a distinct clinicopathologic entity that usually arises in the lung but also can originate in extrapulmonary sites, such as the pleura, thymus, and kidney. Small cell carcinoma of the kidney and renal pelvis is rare. Most patients present with large tumors and have evidence of extensive locoregional spread and distant metastases, despite a short duration of symptoms. Although nephrectomy has been used for treatment it does not appear to confer any significant benefit. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy has improved the median survival from 8 months to 20 months. Only isolated cases of small cell carcinoma of the pleura and thymus have been reported. Both tumors have a tendency for aggressive local invasion and distant metastases. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy have been used in the management of these tumors with variable results.