Using MsfNet to Predict the ISUP Grade of Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma in Digital Pathology Images

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma(ccRCC)represents the most frequent form of renal cell carcinoma(RCC),and accurate International Society of Urological Pathology(ISUP)grading is crucial for prognosis and treatment selection.This study presents a new deep network called Multi-scale Fusion Network(MsfNet),which aims to enhance the automatic ISUP grade of ccRCC with digital histopathology pathology images.The MsfNet overcomes the limitations of traditional ResNet50 by multi-scale information fusion and dynamic allocation of channel quantity.The model was trained and tested using 90 Hematoxylin and Eosin(H&E)stained whole slide images(WSIs),which were all cropped into 320×320-pixel patches at 40×magnification.MsfNet achieved a micro-averaged area under the curve(AUC)of 0.9807,a macro-averaged AUC of 0.9778 on the test dataset.The Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping(Grad-CAM)visually demonstrated MsfNet’s ability to distinguish and highlight abnormal areas more effectively than ResNet50.The t-Distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding(t-SNE)plot indicates our model can efficiently extract critical features from images,reducing the impact of noise and redundant information.The results suggest that MsfNet offers an accurate ISUP grade of ccRCC in digital images,emphasizing the potential of AI-assisted histopathological systems in clinical practice.

Microvascular structural changes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma pathology according to intrapapillary capillary loop types under magnifying endoscopy

BACKGROUND The intrapapillary capillary loop(IPCL)characteristics,visualized using magnifying endoscopy,are commonly assessed for preoperative evaluation of the infiltration depth of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).Japan Esophageal Society(JES)classification is the most widely used classification.Microvascular structural changes are evaluated by magnifying endoscopy for the presence or absence of each morphological factor:tortuosity,dilatation,irregular caliber,and different shapes.However,the pathological characteristics of IPCLs have not been thoroughly investigated,especially the microvascular structures corresponding to the deepest parts of the lesions'infiltration.AIM To investigate differences in pathological microvascular structures of ESCC,which correspond to the deepest parts of the lesions'infiltration.METHODS Patients with ESCC and precancerous lesions diagnosed at Peking University Third Hospital were enrolled between January 2019 and April 2023.Patients first underwent magnified endoscopic examination,followed by endoscopic submucosal dissection or surgical treatment.Pathological images were scanned using a threedimensional slice scanner,and the pathological structural differences in different types,according to the JES classification,were analyzed using nonparametric tests and t-tests.RESULTS The 35 lesions were divided into four groups according to the JES classification:A,B1,B2,and B3.Statistical analyses revealed significant differences(aP<0.05)in the short and long calibers,area,location,and density between types A and B.Notably,there were no significant differences in these parameters between types B1 and B2 and between types B2 and B3(P>0.05).However,significant differences in the short calibers,long calibers,and area of IPCL were observed between types B1 and B3(aP<0.05);no significant differences were found in the density or location(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Pathological structures of IPCLs in the deepest infiltrating regions differ among various IPCL types classified by the JES classification under magnifying endoscopy,especially between the types A and B.

Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Vulva: Case Report and Literature Review

Background: Neuroendocrine neoplasms are those that develop from a neuroendocrine cell. They most commonly affect the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and pancreas, being rare conditions in the female genital tract. When present, these neoplasms often manifest with nonspecific signs and symptoms such as pain, itching, swelling, single-focus lesions, bleeding, and enlargement of inguinal lymph nodes, in addition to the presence of progressively enlarging vulvar nodules. Consequently, the diagnostic investigation involves histopathological examination and confirmation through immunohistochemistry. Objective: To present a comprehensive understanding of this rarely studied pathology. The primary objective is to provide valuable insights that could aid in the future development of universally applicable treatment guidelines. Case Presentation: A 57-year-old female, with no prior comorbidities, menopause at 36, who presented with a left vulvar nodule accompanied by intense pain and swelling, later diagnosed with small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma in the vulva. Conclusion: This case report highlights the importance of enhancing our knowledge regarding small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma in the vulva, given its scarcity in medical literature. The information presented here underscores the need for standardized diagnostic and treatment approaches, paving the way for future consensus on managing this uncommon but challenging neoplasm.

Synchronous multiple lung cancers with hilar lymph node metastasis of small cell carcinoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Synchronous multiple lung cancers are rare and refer to the simultaneous presence of two or more primary lung tumors,which present significant challenges in terms of diagnosis and treatment.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of multiple synchronous lung cancers with hilar lymph node metastasis of small cell carcinoma of unknown origin in a 73-year-old man.Transbronchial lung biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma.Although enlargement of lymph node 12u was detected,no distant metastases were observed.The patient was preoperatively diagnosed with T1cN0M0 and underwent thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy with nodal dissection(ND2a).Based on histopathological findings,the primary lesion was squamous cell carcinoma.A microinvasive adenocarcinoma was also observed on the cranial side of the primary lesion.Tumors were detected in two resected lymph nodes(#12u and#11s).Both tumors were pathologically diagnosed as small cell carcinomas.The primary lesion of the small cell carcinoma could not be identified even by whole-body imaging;however,chemotherapy was initiated for hilar lymph node metastasis of the small cell carcinoma of unknown origin.CONCLUSION Multiple synchronous lung cancers can be accompanied by hilar lymph node metastasis of small cell carcinomas of unknown origin.

Primary Ovarian Small Cell Carcinoma of Pulmonary Type: Analysis of 6 Cases and Review of 31 Cases in the Literatures

Objective Primary ovarian small cell carcinoma of pulmonary type(SCCOPT)is a rare ovarian tumor with a poor prognosis.The platinum-based chemotherapy is the standard treatment.However,there is little research on the clinical characteristics of SCCOPT and the potential benefits of other treatments due to its low incidence.The study aims to investigate clinicopathological characteristics and treatment of SCCOPT.Methods We summarized the clinical,imaging,laboratorical and pathological characteristics of 37 SCCOPT cases,in which 6 cases were admitted to the Gansu Provincial Hospital from the year of 2008 to 2022 and 31 cases reported in 17 English and 3 Chinese literatures.Results The median age of the studied SCCOPT cases(n=37)was 56.00(range,22-80)years.Almost 80%of them had a stageⅢorⅣtumor.All patients underwent an operation and postoperative chemotherapy.Nevertheless,all cases had a poor prognosis,with a median overall survival time of 12 months.Immunohistochemical y,the SCCOPT of all patients showed positive expressions of epithelial markers,such as CD56 and sex-determining region of Y chromosome-related high-mobility-group box 2(SOX-2),and negative expressions of estrogen receptor,progesterone receptor,vimentin,Leu-7,and somatostatin receptor 2.The tumor of above 80%cases expressed synaptophysin.Only a few cases expressed neuron-specific enolase,chromogranin A,and thyroid transcription factor-1.Conclusions SCCOPT had a poor prognosis.SOX-2 could be a biomarker to be used to diagnose SCCOPT.

Primary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the bladder:A case report

BACKGROUND Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma(LCNEC)of the bladder is a rare nonurothelial tumor of the bladder.The treatment of LCNEC of the bladder is different from that of urothelial carcinoma(UC);therefore,early and accurate diagnosis is particularly important.As LCNEC of the bladder is rare and its clinical symptoms and radiographic features are similar to those of urothelial tumors,the clinical diagnosis of the disease remains challenging.CASE SUMMARY We report a 72-year-old female patient who presented with gross hematuria for 3 mo.A solitary tumor located in the anterior wall of the bladder was found by cystoscopy.Pathological examination after biopsy suggested UC of the bladder in the absence of immunohistochemical assessment.The patient underwent partial cystectomy and was finally diagnosed with LCNEC(pT2bN0M0)based on the results of postoperative immunohistochemical examination.During the 10-mo follow-up,no signs of tumor recurrence or metastasis were found.CONCLUSION Immunohistochemical examination is essential for diagnosing LCNEC of the bladder.Accurate diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment in the early stage of the disease are crucial for improving the prognosis.

SURGICAL TREATMENT OF PRIMARY ESOPHAGEAL SMALLCELL CARCINOMA

Objective: To study the clinical biocharacteristics of primary esophageal small-cell carcinoma (PESC) and factors influencing prognosis and to find rational indications for combination therapy. Methods: To analyze the clinical materials of 47 patients who had undergone an operation with PESC and to compare it with those patients with esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (ESCC) or primary esophageal adenocarcinoma (PEAC). Results: The overall resectability, morbidity and 30-day mortality rates of PESC were 93.6%, 17.0% and 2.1% respectively, similar to those of ESCC or PEAC. TNM staging and lymph node metastasis were the major determinants influencing long-term survival. Tumor length, depth of tumor invasion and type of operation had little influence on long-term prognosis. The 5-year survival rate of PESC was 7.5%, which was much lower than that of ESCC and PEAC (P<0.01). Among the 42 deceased patents, one died of anastomotic leakage and the others died of remote metastasis and recurrence. Adjuvant chemotherapy did not help improve the patients’ long-term survival. Conclusions: Compared with ESCC and PEAC, PESC is the most malignant type with early lymphatic and hematogenous metastases and poor prognosis. Lymph node metastasis is the major factor influencing the prognosis. Patients in stage 0, I and II a of PESC are indicated for surgical resection, while those in stage II b, III or IV should be managed with non-surgical combined therapy.

Clinicopathological Features and Prognosis of Small Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix

Small cell carcinoma of cervix (SCCC) is a rare disease with highly aggressive behaviour and is pathologically hard to diagnose.In this study, the clinicopathological features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the condition were examined.Clinical records and follow-up data of 7 cases of SCCC were retrospectively studied.Our results showed that five non-recurrent cases initially presented irregular vaginal bleeding or increased apocenosis of varying degrees.Pathological examination revealed that the stroma was diffusely infiltrated with small monomorphous cells ranging from round to oval shape.Three cases were immunohistochemically confirmed.One case was accompanied with squamous cell cancer.Of the 7 cases, one case was classified as stage Ⅰb 1, two stageⅠ b2, one stage Ⅱ a, one stage Ⅱb , and one stage Ⅲ b.On the basis of their stages of condition, one subject with stage III b underwent chemotherapy, and one with stage Ib2 received extensive hysterectomy plus pelvic lymphadenectomy, while the other 5 cases were treated by extensive hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy in combination with pre-and/or post-operative adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy.Of the 7 patients, 4 had relapse-free survival of 14, 14, 16 and 28 months respectively.It is concluded that SCCC is an aggressive tumor with propensity for early pelvis lymph node metastases.Early-stage patients should be treated by extensive hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy in combination with pre-and/or post-operative adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Relevance of EGFR gene mutation with pathological features and prognosis in patients with non-small-cell lung carcinoma

Objective:To study the relevance of EGFR gene mutation with pathological features and prognosis in patients with non-small-cell lung carcinoma.Methods:A total of 297 patients from July 2009 to May 2013 were chosen as objects.EGFR gene mutation were detected with fluorescence quantitative PCR.Relevance of EGFR gene mutation with clinical and pathological features was analyzed,and the prognosis of EGFR- mutant-patients and that of EGFR- wide type-patients was compared.Results:In 297 patients.136(45.79%) showed EGFR gene mutation.EGFR gene mutation had no significant relevance with age.gender,smoking history,family history of cancer and clinical stage(P>0.05);there was significant relevance between EGFR gene mutation and blood type,pathologic types,differentiation and diameter of cancer(P<0.05).The difference between prognosis of EGFR- mutant-patients and that of EGFR- wide type-patients was statistical significance(P<0.05).Conclusions:EGFR gene mutation has significant relevance with pathological features,the prognosis of EGFRmutant-paticnts is better than that of EGFR- wide type-patients.

Primary small cell carcinoma of kidney after renal transplantation:a case report and literature review

Extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma （EPSCC） is a rare neoplasm comprising 2.5％ to 5％ of small cell carcinomas （SCCs）.Bladder SCC is the most common site of genitourinary tract.Primary renal SCC is extremely rare.We report a case of primary SCC of the kidney which is rarely reported in the urinary tract and presents an aggressive clinical picture.A 59-year-old female visited a urologic clinic with complaint of persistent left flank soreness 10 years after undergoing renal transplantation.Abdominal computed tomography showed a left renal pelvis tumor.After the patient received left nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff resection,her pathology results showed SCC.After surgery,she received adjuvant systemic chemotherapy,and her recovery has been uneventful as of 8 months.Primary renal SCC presents with an advanced tumor stage and a short median survival period,therefore early intervention and close follow-up are recommended.

Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of gastric signet ring cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND The clinicopathological features and prognosis of gastric signet ring cell carcinoma(GSRC)remain controversial,particularly with regard to sensitivity to postoperative adjuvant therapy.AIM To compare the pathological features of GSRC with those of gastric adenocarcinoma of different degrees of differentiation and the differences in survival prognosis between the different disease processes.METHODS By screening gastric cancer patients from 2010 to 2015 in the database of Surveillance,Epidemiology and End Results,and collecting the clinicopathological and prognostic data of gastric cancer patients who underwent surgery from January 2014 to December 2016 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University,we analyzed the general pathological characteristics of GSRC by the chi-square test.Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to compare the factors affecting the survival and prognosis of early and advanced gastric adenocarcinoma.The Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to reveal the survival difference between early and advanced GSRC and different differentiated types of gastric adenocarcinoma.The prognosis model of advanced GSRC was established with R software,and the area under curve(AUC)and C-index were used to assess the accuracy of the model.RESULTS Analysis of pathological features revealed that signet ring-cell carcinoma(SRC)was more frequently seen in younger(<60 years),female,and White patients compared to non-SRC patients.SRC was less commonly associated with early gastric cancer(EGC)(23.60%vs 39.10%),lower N0(38.61%vs 61.03%),and larger tumour sizes>5 cm(31.15%vs 27.10%)compared to the differentiated type,while the opposite was true compared to the undifferentiated type.Survival prognostic analysis found no significant difference in the prognosis of SRC patients among EGC patients.In contrast,among advanced gastric cancer(AGC)patients,the prognosis of SRC patients was correlated with age,race,tumour size,AJCC stage,T-stage,and postoperative adjuvant therapy.The predictive model showed that the 3-year AUC was 0.787,5-year AUC was 0.806,and C-index was 0.766.Compared to non-SRC patients,patients with SRC had a better prognosis in EGC[hazard ratio(HR):0.626,95%confidence interval(CI):0.427-0.919,P<0.05]and a worse prognosis in AGC(HR:1.139,95%CI:1.030-1.258,P<0.05).When non-SRC was divided into differentiated and undifferentiated types for comparison,it was found that in EGC,SRC had a better prognosis than differentiated and undifferentiated types,while there was no significant difference between differentiated and undifferentiated types.In AGC,there was no significant difference in prognosis between SRC and undifferentiated types,both of which were worse than differentiated types.A prognostic analysis of postoperative adjuvant therapy for SRC in patients with AGC revealed that adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy or chemotherapy significantly improved patient survival(34.6%and 36.2%vs 18.6%,P<0.05).CONCLUSION The prognosis of SRC is better than that of undifferentiated type,especially in EGC,and its prognosis is even better than that of differentiated type.SRC patients can benefit from early detection,surgical resection,and aggressive adjuvant therapy.

Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma with EGFR 19-del Mutation Transformed into SCC after EGFR-tyrosine Kinase inhibitors Treatment:A Case report

BACKGROUND Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors(EGFR-TKIs)significantly improve the survival of patients with Epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)sensitive mutations in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).CASE SUMMARY A 67-year-old female patient in advanced lung adenocarcinoma suffered from drug resistance after EGFR-TKIs treatment.Secondary pathological tissue biopsy confirmed squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)transformation.Patients inevitably encountered drug resistance issues after receiving EGFR-TKIs treatment for a certain period of time,while EGFR-TKIs can significantly improve the survival of patients with EGFR-sensitive mutations in NSCLC.Notably,EGFR-TKIs resistance includes primary and acquired.Pathological transformation is one of the mechanisms of acquired resistance in EGFR-TKIs,with SCC transformation being relatively rare.Our results provide more detailed results of the patient’s diagnosis and treatment process on SCC transformation after EGFR-TKIs treatment for lung adenocarcinoma.CONCLUSION Squamous cell carcinoma transformation is one of the acquired resistance mechanisms of EGFR-TKIs in advanced lung adenocarcinoma with EGFR mutations.

Primary small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the right posterior tongue

Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma(SNEC)is an extremely aggressive tumor and mainly occurs in the lung.Primary extra-pulmonary SNEC is rare.To date,only 11 primary SNECs occurring in the oral cavity have been reported in the English literature.We describe a case of primary SNEC of the right posterior tongue in a 46-year-old man.The patient had stage IVA disease and received adjuvant chemotherapy,followed by radical surgery and radiotherapy.He remained tumor-free for 20 mo before death due to gastrointestinal metastasis.The relevant literature on the 11 previously reported patients was reviewed,and the clinical features,histopathological characteristics,differential diagnosis and therapeutic strategies of this rare tumor were analyzed.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Small Intestine: a Case Report

NEOPLASMS derive from small intestine are rareand most cases are adenocarcinomas andcarcinoid.1 Squamous cell carcinoma of smallintestine is even rarer and only few casesreported in literature.1 In this article, we report a case of a68-year-old male who underwent a laparotomy due toperforation of the small intestine and was diagnosed withsquamous cell carcinoma of the small intestine.

Small cell carcinoma of the liver and biliary tract without jaundice

An 80-year-old woman presenting with chest pain was found to have a large,lobulated soft tissue mass in the liver and nearby tissues on abdominal computed tomography(CT).The tumor had invaded the common hepatic artery and main portal vein.Jaundice developed 4 wk later,at which point,a pancreas and biliary CT scan revealed a large mass in the right lobe of the liver and a hilar duct obstruction,which was found to be a small cell carcinoma.Despite its rarity,liver and bile duct small cell carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of atypical chest pain without jaundice.

Value of ^(18)F-FDG PET/CT and MRI in diagnosing primary endometrial small cell carcinoma

Primary small cell carcinoma（SCC） is a group of aggressive neoplasms that mainly arise from the lung and digestive tract. Endometrial small cell carcinoma（ESCC） is extremely rare. To our knowledge, less than 90 cases have been reported, and most of these reports were dedicated to describing the clinicopathologic or immunochemical features of ESCC. Herein, we present a new case of ESCC involving a 51-year-old woman and mainly focus on the magnetic resonance imaging（MRI） and positron emission tomography/computed tomography（PET/CT） findings. MRI showed that the uterus was significantly enlarged（11.6 cm × 11.1 cm × 14.4 cm）, and a giant irregular mass（7.5 cm × 8.4 cm × 8.5 cm） was observed in the uterine cavity. The lesion demonstrated an extremely low apparent diffusion coefficient（ADC） value [（0.553±0.088）×10^–3 mm^2/s] and a high FDG uptake value（22.7）. Multiple metastatic lymph nodes（LNs） were identified at different positions, with diameters ranging from 0.3 to 2.8 cm and a maximum standardized uptake value（SUV max） ranging from 6.9 to 19.3.

Invasive breast carcinoma with osteoclast-like stromal giant cells:A case report

BACKGROUND Invasive breast carcinoma with osteoclast-like stromal giant cells(OGCs) is an extremely rare morphology of breast carcinomas.To the best of our knowledge,the most recent case report describing this rare pathology was published six years ago.The mechanism controlling the development of this unique histological formation is still unknown.Further,the prognosis of patients with OGC involvement is also controversial.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 48-year-old woman,who presented to the outpatient department with a palpable,growing,painless mass in her left breast for about one year.Sonography and mammography revealed a 26.5 mm ×18.8 mm asymmetric,lobular mass with circumscribed margin and the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System was category 4C.Sono-guided aspiration biopsy revealed invasive ductal carcinoma.The patient underwent breast conserving surgery and was diagnosed with invasive breast carcinoma with OGCs,grade Ⅱ,with intermediate grade of ductal carcinoma in situ(ER:80%,3+,PR:80%,3+,HER-2:negative,Ki 67:30%).Adjuvant chemotherapy and post-operation radiotherapy were initiated thereafter.CONCLUSION As a rare morphology of breast cancer,breast carcinoma with OGC occurs most often in relatively young women,has less lymph node involvement,and its occurrence is not racedependent.

Facial basal cell carcinoma:A retrospective study of 67 cases

BACKGROUND Basal cell carcinoma(BCC)is a slow-growing malignant tumor characterized by local invasiveness but an exceptionally rare metastatic potential.It ideally affects sun-exposed skin of older patients with more propensity for the facial region.AIM To evaluate the different clinicopathological characteristics of the facial BCC and the efficacy and safety of diode laser for the treatment of these lesions.METHODS We retrospectively reviewed facial BCC lesions of<1.5 cm in diameter and subjected them to diode laser ablation during the period from September 2016 to August 2021 at Al-Ramadi Teaching Hospital,Ramadi City,Iraq.Data matching the age,gender,duration,site,and clinical and histological types were registered for every subject.The functional and aesthetic outcomes and complications following diode laser ablation for each patient were also recorded.RESULTS Of 67 patients with facial BCC,there was 65.67%from the age group≥60 years and 58.21%males.The mean duration of the lesions was 5.15±1.836 mo.The most involved location was the nose(29.85%).About half of the cases belong to the noduloulcerative type.Solid histological type comprises 40.3%of the cases,while the least was keratotic(13.4%).Moreover,65.2%of the solid cases were from the age group≤60 years and 38.6%of the adenoid type from the age group>60 years(P value=0.007).Excellent aesthetic and functional outcomes were reported in all cases after 6 mo of follow-up.Few complications were reported after diode laser ablation.CONCLUSION Facial BCC was mostly seen in the elderly and men.The mean duration was 5.15 mo.The nose was the commonest involved site.Noduloulcerative lesions were seen in approximately half of the lesions.The age of the patients determined the histological type of the lesion(solid type was mostly seen in the age group≤60 years,while,adenoid in the age group>60 years).Diode laser ablation showed excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes following a 6-mo follow-up.

Extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma of lymph node: Pooled analysis of all reported cases

AIM: To study clinical outcomes and management of lymph nodes extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma(LNEPSCC). METHODS: Herein, we perform a systematic search of published literature in the PubMed and EMBASE databases for studies describing LNEPSCC. For uniformity of reporting, LNEPSCC was staged as limited if it involved either single lymph node station or if surgery with curative intent had been undertaken. The disease was staged extensive if it involved two or more lymph node regions.RESULTS: The systematic literature review yielded eight descriptions(n = 14) involving cervical, submandibular and inguinal lymph nodes. Eleven(64.7%) patients had limited disease(LD) and six(35.3%) had extensive disease(ED) at presentation. Chemotherapy(n = 6, 35.3%) or surgery(n = 4, 23.5%) were the most common form of treatment given to these patients. Complete response was achieved in 12(70.6%) of the patients. Median(interquartile range) progression free survival and overall survival was 15(7-42) mo and 22(12.75-42) mo respectively. Of the three illustrative cases, two patients each had ED at presentation and achieved complete remission with platinum based combination chemotherapy.CONCLUSION: LNEPSCC is a rare disease with less than 15 reported cases in world literature. Surgical resection with curative intent is feasible in those with LD while platinum based combination chemoradiation is associated with favorable outcomes in patients with ED. Prognosis of LNEPSCC is better than that of small cell lung cancer in general.

Development and validation of a prognostic nomogram model for Chinese patients with primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus

BACKGROUND Primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus(PSCE)is a highly invasive malignant tumor with a poor prognosis compared with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.Due to the limited samples size and the short follow-up time,there are few reports on elucidating the prognosis of PSCE,especially on the establishment and validation of a survival prediction nomogram model covering general information,pathological factors and specific biological proteins of PSCE patients.AIM To establish an effective nomogram to predict the overall survival(OS)probability for PSCE patients in China.METHODS The nomogram was based on a retrospective study of 256 PSCE patients.Univariate analysis and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were used to examine the prognostic factors associated with PSCE,and establish the model for predicting 1-,3-,and 5-year OS based on the Akaike information criterion.Discrimination and validation were assessed by the concordance index(C-index)and calibration curve and decision curve analysis(DCA).Histology type,age,tumor invasion depth,lymph node invasion,detectable metastasis,chromogranin A,and neuronal cell adhesion molecule 56 were integrated into the model.RESULTS The C-index was prognostically superior to the 7th tumor node metastasis(TNM)staging in the primary cohort[0.659(95%CI:0.607-0.712)vs 0.591(95%CI:0.517-0.666),P=0.033]and in the validation cohort[0.700(95%CI:0.622-0.778)vs 0.605(95%CI:0.490-0.721),P=0.041].Good calibration curves were observed for the prediction probabilities of 1-,3-,and 5-year OS in both cohorts.DCA analysis showed that our nomogram model had a higher overall net benefit compared to the 7th TNM staging.CONCLUSION Our nomogram can be used to predict the survival probability of PSCE patients,which can help clinicians to make individualized survival predictions.