A case of primary adenocarcinoma of the seminal vesicle treated by total laparoscopic pelvic exenteration.

An adenocarcinoma of the seminal vesicle is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis. Its symptoms are non-specific, rendering diagnosis difficult. We present the case of a 74-year-old male with haematospermia. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a bulky tumour of the seminal vesicle infiltrating the prostate gland, bladder and rectum. A transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy revealed an adenocarcinoma. Computed tomography revealed multiple lung metastases. The serum CA-125 level was high. Androgen deprivation therapy and chemotherapy (docetaxel) were prescribed. After 12 courses of docetaxel, the primary tumour and the lung metastases decreased in size and the serum CA-125 level returned to normal. The patient underwent total laparoscopic pelvic exenteration with placement of a neobladder. Histological examination revealed a mucinous adenocarcinoma with negative surgical margins. The patient did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation. He shows no evidence of recurrence 19 months after surgery.