Plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma is a rare form of invasive urothelial carcinoma first described in 1991 by Sahin et al. [Acta Cytol 1991;35:277-280]. Since this original publication, over 70 cases of plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma have been described. A small number of cytologic descriptions have been published, including cases involving cerebrospinal fluid cytology, bladder washings and urine cytology. To our knowledge, we describe the first fine needle aspiration of metastatic plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma in a 75-year-old man who presented with a pathologic fracture of the L4 vertebral body. One of the diagnostic pitfalls in the cytologic evaluation of this rare malignancy is the positive staining with CD138. While CD138 is a marker for plasma cell differentiation, it is also positive in plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma. In addition to recognizing the cytomorphologic details, a full immunohistochemical panel is helpful in properly characterizing this entity. A brief discussion of long-term prognosis and treatment benefit is provided.

Keywords:
Plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma, Cytology, Fine needle aspiration, Bone metastasis
© 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel
2013
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.