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DeCoste RC, Carter MD, Ly TY, Gruchy JR, Nicolela AP, Pasternak S. Merkel cell carcinoma: an update. Hum Pathol 2023; 140:39-52. [PMID: 36898590 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon primary cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma associated with an adverse prognosis. In recent years, our understanding of MCC biology has markedly progressed. Since the discovery of the Merkel cell polyomavirus, it has become clear that MCC represents an ontogenetically dichotomous group of neoplasms with overlapping histopathology. Specifically, most MCCs arise secondary to viral oncogenesis, while a smaller subset is the direct result of UV-associated mutations. The distinction of these groups bears relevance in their immunohistochemical and molecular characterization, as well as in disease prognosis. Further recent developments relate to the landmark utilization of immunotherapeutics in MCC, providing optimistic options for the management of this aggressive disease. In this review, we discuss both fundamental and emerging concepts in MCC, with a particular focus on topics of practical relevance to the surgical or dermatopathologist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C DeCoste
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, QEII Health Science Centre, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada; Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada.
| | - Michael D Carter
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, QEII Health Science Centre, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada; Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada
| | - Thai Yen Ly
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, QEII Health Science Centre, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada; Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada
| | - Jennette R Gruchy
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, QEII Health Science Centre, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada; Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada
| | - Anna P Nicolela
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Sylvia Pasternak
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, QEII Health Science Centre, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada; Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada
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Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Skin/Conjunctiva: A Series of 6 Cases including 1 Combined Case With Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Am J Dermatopathol 2022; 44:718-727. [PMID: 35642978 DOI: 10.1097/dad.0000000000002229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT This study sought to reveal the clinicopathologic characteristics of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the skin/conjunctiva. The retrieved patients included 3 men and 3 women with a median age of 85 (63-95) years. All lesions occurred on the face, including the ears, with a median tumor size of 11.5 (7-65) mm. Lymph node metastasis was observed in 5 (83%) of 6 cases, and distant metastasis was noted in 2 (33%). One patient (17%) who had a 13-mm-sized tumor died of the tumor 13 months after excision. All tumors were mainly located in the dermis, and one of them also exhibited intraepithelial spreading. The cytology resembled that of an LCNEC in other organs. No adnexal differentiation was observed. Five cases were of the pure type, but one had a component of squamous cell carcinoma. Immunoreactivities for CAM5.2, CK7, CK19, BerEP4, epithelial membrane antigen, neuron-specific enolase, synaptophysin, c-KIT, GATA3, and bcl-2 were frequently present, but CK20, neurofilament, Merkel cell polyomavirus large T antigen, mammaglobin, estrogen receptor, HER2, and TTF1 were completely negative in all cases. Mutant-pattern immunostaining of p53, PTEN, and Rb was frequently observed. The Ki67 rate exceeded 70% in all cases. LCNEC of the skin/conjunctiva is a morphologically-defined group of primary cutaneous/conjunctival neuroendocrine neoplasm, although it may be heterogeneous similar to other-site LCNEC or Merkel cell carcinoma. This study highlighted the predominant location for the face, high metastatic and lethal potential, possible combination with other tumor components, and frequent mutant-type immunoexpressions of p53, PTEN, and Rb in this tumor group.
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Fiorio LM, Diniz LM, Lucas EA. Cutaneous metastasis on the nasal tip: first clinical sign of pulmonary carcinoid tumor. An Bras Dermatol 2021; 96:578-580. [PMID: 34284938 PMCID: PMC8441516 DOI: 10.1016/j.abd.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin metastases are rare and may occur in the context of a known metastatic disease or be the first clinical sign of an underlying primary tumor. In the case of carcinoid neoplasms, determining whether the cutaneous tumor is primary or secondary and identifying the tumor origin in metastatic cases is not always an easy task. This is the report of a case of cutaneous metastasis presenting as the first clinical manifestation of a previously unknown pulmonary carcinoid tumor, including the discussion of histopathological and immunohistochemical findings that allowed an adequate diagnosis of the tumor etiology and reinforces the importance for dermatologists and dermatopathologists to be familiar with these findings.
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DeCoste RC, Carter MD, Barnes PJ, Andea AA, Wang M, Rayson D, Walsh NM. Independent primary cutaneous and mammary apocrine carcinomas with neuroendocrine differentiation: Report of a case and literature review. J Cutan Pathol 2021; 48:1397-1403. [PMID: 34152024 DOI: 10.1111/cup.14085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous apocrine carcinomas share common features with their counterparts in the breast; hence, metastatic mammary carcinoma must be excluded before such lesions can be designated primary cutaneous neoplasms. Primary tumors from either source rarely exhibit neuroendocrine differentiation. We report a case of a 72-year-old female with a painless 1.2-cm scalp nodule. An incisional biopsy revealed dermal involvement by an invasive apocrine carcinoma juxtaposed to a benign apocrine cystic lesion. Immunohistochemically, the carcinoma expressed neuroendocrine proteins including synaptophysin, chromogranin, and CD56. A primary cutaneous apocrine carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation was favored, but additional investigations to exclude breast origin were recommended. These revealed a 1.1-cm nodule in the right breast, which proved to be an invasive ductal carcinoma, morphologically and immunophenotypically similar to the scalp lesion. This confounded the case, yet factors militating against metastatic breast carcinoma to skin included (a) the small size of the mammary tumor, (b) absence of other metastatic disease, and (c) juxtaposition of the scalp carcinoma to a putative benign precursor. Molecular studies were undertaken to resolve the diagnostic quandary. Single nucleotide polymorphism microarray analysis revealed distinct patterns of chromosomal copy number alterations in the two tumors, supporting the concept of synchronous and unusual primary neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C DeCoste
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Nova Scotia Health Authority (Central Zone), Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Michael D Carter
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Nova Scotia Health Authority (Central Zone), Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Penelope J Barnes
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Nova Scotia Health Authority (Central Zone), Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Aleodor A Andea
- Department of Pathology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Department of Dermatology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Pathology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Daniel Rayson
- Division of Medical Oncology and Department of Medicine, Nova Scotia Health Authority (Central Zone) and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Noreen M Walsh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Nova Scotia Health Authority (Central Zone), Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Walsh NM, Cerroni L. Merkel cell carcinoma: A review. J Cutan Pathol 2020; 48:411-421. [PMID: 33128463 DOI: 10.1111/cup.13910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma has been a focus of active scientific investigation in recent years and new information on the topic has emerged. Although uncommon, this primary cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma, usually involving the head/neck of elderly individuals, has a poor prognosis. Within the past two decades, an increase in the incidence of the tumor and the discovery of its link to the Merkel cell polyomavirus have focused medical attention on the lesion. The resulting studies have improved our understanding of the biology of the neoplasm and contributed to clinical care. Specifically, two pathogenic subsets of the tumor have come to light, the majority due to Merkel cell polyomavirus and the minority caused by ultraviolet radiation-induced genetic damage. This dichotomy carries prognostic implications favoring the former subset. In addition, having capitalized on the known susceptibility of the tumor to immune influences, investigators have recently discovered its responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibition. This revelation has constituted a therapeutic milestone at the clinical level. Herein we provide an overview of the topic, outline updates in the field and place an emphasis on dermatopathologic aspects of Merkel cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noreen M Walsh
- Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Center, Nova Scotia Health Authority (Central Zone), Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Departments of Pathology and Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Lorenzo Cerroni
- Research Unit of Dermatopathology, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Rindi G, Klimstra DS, Abedi-Ardekani B, Asa SL, Bosman FT, Brambilla E, Busam KJ, de Krijger RR, Dietel M, El-Naggar AK, Fernandez-Cuesta L, Klöppel G, McCluggage WG, Moch H, Ohgaki H, Rakha EA, Reed NS, Rous BA, Sasano H, Scarpa A, Scoazec JY, Travis WD, Tallini G, Trouillas J, van Krieken JH, Cree IA. A common classification framework for neuroendocrine neoplasms: an International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and World Health Organization (WHO) expert consensus proposal. Mod Pathol 2018; 31:1770-1786. [PMID: 30140036 PMCID: PMC6265262 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-018-0110-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 622] [Impact Index Per Article: 103.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The classification of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) differs between organ systems and currently causes considerable confusion. A uniform classification framework for NENs at any anatomical location may reduce inconsistencies and contradictions among the various systems currently in use. The classification suggested here is intended to allow pathologists and clinicians to manage their patients with NENs consistently, while acknowledging organ-specific differences in classification criteria, tumor biology, and prognostic factors. The classification suggested is based on a consensus conference held at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in November 2017 and subsequent discussion with additional experts. The key feature of the new classification is a distinction between differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), also designated carcinoid tumors in some systems, and poorly differentiated NECs, as they both share common expression of neuroendocrine markers. This dichotomous morphological subdivision into NETs and NECs is supported by genetic evidence at specific anatomic sites as well as clinical, epidemiologic, histologic, and prognostic differences. In many organ systems, NETs are graded as G1, G2, or G3 based on mitotic count and/or Ki-67 labeling index, and/or the presence of necrosis; NECs are considered high grade by definition. We believe this conceptual approach can form the basis for the next generation of NEN classifications and will allow more consistent taxonomy to understand how neoplasms from different organ systems inter-relate clinically and genetically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Rindi
- Istituto di Anatomia Patologica, Università Cattolica-Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - David S Klimstra
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Behnoush Abedi-Ardekani
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), World Health Organization (WHO), Lyon, France
| | - Sylvia L Asa
- University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Elisabeth Brambilla
- CHUGA, UniversitéUGA, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Klaus J Busam
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ronald R de Krijger
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht and Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Günter Klöppel
- Department of Pathology, Technical University of München, München, Germany
| | - W Glenn McCluggage
- Department of Pathology, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - Holger Moch
- University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hiroko Ohgaki
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), World Health Organization (WHO), Lyon, France
| | | | | | - Brian A Rous
- National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service, Fulbourn, UK
| | - Hironobu Sasano
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Section of Pathology, ARC-Net Research Center and Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Jean-Yves Scoazec
- Departement of Pathology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - William D Travis
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Giovanni Tallini
- University Medical Center, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - J Han van Krieken
- Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ian A Cree
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), World Health Organization (WHO), Lyon, France.
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