Primary adenocarcinoma of the seminal vesicles in Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Our experiences: Review of current diagnosis, treatment methods and outcome

Introduction: Primary tumors of the seminal vesicles are rare. The aims of this study are to present the case of a 32-year old man with advanced primary adenocarcinoma of the left seminal vesicle (PSVCA) that simulated features of prostatic neoplasm. Challenges encountered in its diagnosis are highlighted, and the literature reviewed to compare our experiences with current views of others on precise diagnosis of the tumor, its treatment methods and outcome.
Materials and Methods: Consecutive male urology patients seen at UPTH, Port Harcourt, Nigeria were evaluated clinically and with relevant investigations. Two patients who had provisional diagnosis of PSVCA had operations/ post-operative specimen histology. One had confirmed diagnosis of PSVCA, was further treated, followed up and reported. Data were collected simultaneously with patients’ services.
The PubMed/Medline and PubMed Central databases were searched for articles on clinical, immune histochemical features, treatment and outcome of PSVCA. Data on these features were presented in tables.
Results: Of two presumptively diagnosed patients, one (32-year-old) had histological confirmation of primary adenocarcinoma of the left seminal vesicle.
Radical surgery with urinary diversion, and either neoadjuvant or adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy, or cytotoxic chemotherapy, or adjuvant radiotherapy were the common treatment options found on literature review.
Conclusion: The reported patient in this study had good post-operative performance but follow-up period was short. Currently, histopathologic and radiologic diagnostic methods are reinforced with immune histochemical techniques for precise diagnosis of PSVCA. Radical surgical therapy with neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy are currently favored. Immune histochemical facilities should be provided at our center.