PubMed · 7632011
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A Gaudillère, L Misery. 1994. [Merkel cell].. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7632011/
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Merkel cell cancer is a rare carcinoma arising from the neuroendocrin cells of the skin. The diagnosis is based on the clinical behaviour, histopathologic and ultrastructural findings and immunohistochemical results. An unusual case of Merkel cell carcinoma is presented. Mass from the umbiculus and a right inguinal lymph node was excised in a 63-year-old female. The histologic features of a typical, primitive small cell tumor combined with the immunohistochemical evaluations established the diagnosis. Rare polynuclear giant cells were focally present in our case. Patient was treated with combination of chemotherapy (Cisplatin, Etoposid) and radiotherapy. Control examinations showed complete respond. One year later metastasis developed. Resection of all known metastasis were performed. Two months after the laparotomy she died of metastatic disease. The autopsy did not reveal any other primary tumor. The capricious nature of the clinical course and the differences between this tumor and other carcinomas is emphasized.
Skin cancers following cardiac transplantation are a serious problem that may lead to significant morbidity and mortality. While the majority of skin cancers represent minimally invasive lesions that are treated adequately by local means, a small subset exhibits a potentially life-threatening natural history. The aggressiveness of these skin cancers, despite standard treatment, is indicative of the aggressive nature displayed by a subset of secondary malignancies following cardiac transplantation. The need for lifelong maintenance immunosuppression after transplantation is a major factor in the development of these secondary malignancies. Presented here is the case study of a cardiac transplant recipient who developed multiple aggressive squamous and non-squamous cell scalp skin cancers.