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PubMed · 8335732

Merkel cell carcinoma.

D Ratner·B R Nelson·M D Brown·T M Johnson
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Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma is a malignant neuroendocrine tumor with features of epithelial differentiation. Biologically aggressive, it may be difficult to diagnose and, particularly in its late stages, even more difficult to treat effectively. This article addresses what is known and what is still controversial about the histogenesis, diagnosis, and management of Merkel cell carcinoma and the structure and function of the Merkel cell from which it is believed to be derived. The incidence, clinical presentation and diagnosis, ultrastructure, immunocytochemistry, treatment, and prognosis of this tumor will be discussed.

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Carcinoma, Merkel CellFemaleHumansMalePrognosisSkin NeoplasmsJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tReview

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D Ratner, B R Nelson, M D Brown, T M Johnson. 1993. Merkel cell carcinoma.. https://doi.org/10.1016/0190-9622(93)70159-q

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Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare malignant cutaneous tumor of the elderly with rapidly growing skin nodules found predominantly on sun-exposed areas of the body. The vast majority of patients present with localized disease, while up to 30% have regional lymph node metastases. Despite local excision and the incidence of local recurrence, regional lymph node metastases and distant metastases is high and usually occurs within 2 years of primary diagnosis. The optimal treatment for patients with MCC remains unclear. The best outcome is achieved with multidisciplinary management including surgical excision of primary tumor with adequate margins and post-operative radiotherapy (RT) to control local and regional disease. Patients with regional nodal metastases should be treated with lymph node dissection plus RT. Adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) should be considered as part of the initial management. In case of metastatic disease CT based on regimens used for small-cell lung cancer is the standard treatment of care.

Carcinoma, Merkel Cell↗