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Colef R, Kiran N, Mescallado L, Kong F, Khan S. Merkel Cell Carcinoma in an Elderly Male With Extensive Local Disease. Cureus 2023; 15:e48001. [PMID: 38034209 PMCID: PMC10686785 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, highly aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. It is often found in the sun-exposed skin areas of elderly individuals of Caucasian descent. MCC has a tendency for local recurrence and the potential to invade nearby lymph nodes and spread to distant sites in the body. Here, we present the case of an 83-year-old male with a history of multiple comorbidities, including congestive heart failure, obesity, hypertension, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and sarcoidosis, who presented with a slow-growing, fungating lesion on his left lower leg. Histopathological examination revealed MCC with extensive necrosis and involved resection margins. Additional skin lesions on the left knee were confirmed to be MCC. Follow-up CT scans showed lymphadenopathy and a femoral lesion. The patient was deemed a poor candidate for resection and placed on immunotherapy treatment. The low incidence rate and indistinct clinical manifestations of MCC make a conclusive diagnosis dependent on examining histological features and immunohistochemical markers through a lesioned biopsy or resection. Due to the aggressive nature of MCC and the tendency for asymptomatic and painless lesions to escape notice, it is important to raise awareness about this condition. This will lead to earlier detection and intervention, potentially enhancing patient survival rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Colef
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital, Northwell Health, New York, USA
| | - Nfn Kiran
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital, Northwell Health, New York, USA
| | - Leslie Mescallado
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital, Northwell Health, New York, USA
| | - Fanyi Kong
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital, Northwell Health, New York, USA
| | - Shahbaz Khan
- Gastrointestinal, Hepatobiliary and Transplant Pathology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA
- Hematopathology, Northwell Health, New York, USA
- Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, USA
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital, Northwell Health, New York, USA
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Rai MP, Bedi PS, Singh J, Marinas EB. CK 20-positive and CK 7-negative Merkel cell carcinoma of the cheek. Clin Case Rep 2018. [PMID: 29531741 PMCID: PMC5838268 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.1383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) are uncommon, highly malignant skin tumors that develop in sun-exposed areas of the skin. Most of the MCCs are CK 20-positive and CK 7-negative such as our case. About 80% of Merkel cell carcinoma is associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Ponadka Rai
- Michigan State University/Sparrow Hospital 788 Service Road B301 Clinical Center East Lansing Michigan 48824
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Definitive radiotherapy for Merkel cell carcinoma confers clinically meaningful in-field locoregional control: A review and analysis of the literature. J Am Acad Dermatol 2017; 77:142-148.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2017.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Quiroz-Sandoval OA, Cuellar-Hubbe M, Lino-Silva LS, Salcedo-Hernández RA, López-Basave HN, Padilla-Rosciano AE, León-Takahashi AM, Herrera-Gómez Á. Primary retroperitoneal Merkel cell carcinoma: Case report and literature review. Int J Surg Case Rep 2015; 19:21-4. [PMID: 26708276 PMCID: PMC4756087 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2015.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Revised: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma that affects elderly patients and typically arises in sun-exposed skin. The disease is very rare and only few cases present with no apparent skin lesion. In the retroperitoneum there are only two cases reported in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION We report a case of a 54-year-old Mexican male with MCC, which presented as a large retroperitoneal mass. Pathological and immunohistochemical analysis of the transabdominal CT-guided biopsy specimen revealed a MCC. The patient underwent preoperative chemotherapy followed by a laparotomy and the mass was successfully excised. DISCUSSION There are two possible explanations for what occurred in our patient. The most plausible theory is the retroperitoneal mass could be a massively enlarged lymph node where precursor cells became neoplastic. This would be consistent with a presumptive diagnosis of primary nodal disease. Moreover, metastasis to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes has been reported as relatively common when compared to other sites such as liver, bone, brain and skin. The less probable theory is the non-described "regression" phenomena of a cutaneous MCC, but we are not found a primary skin lesion. CONCLUSION Preoperative chemotherapy and excision of the primary tumor is the surgical treatment of choice for retroperitoneal MCC. We propose that further studies are needed to elucidate the true efficacy of chemotherapy in conventional and unconventional patients with MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mario Cuellar-Hubbe
- Surgical Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas, National Cancer Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Leonardo S Lino-Silva
- Anatomic Pathology Department of Gastrointestinal Tumors, National Cancer Institute, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | | | - Horacio N López-Basave
- Surgical Department of Gastrointestinal Tumors, National Cancer Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Ángel Herrera-Gómez
- Surgical Department of Gastrointestinal Tumors, National Cancer Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
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Debbarma S, Sharma R, Sharma D, Singh TT. Merkel cell carcinoma of right buttock in an elderly patient: a case report. MEDICAL JOURNAL OF INDONESIA 2015. [DOI: 10.13181/mji.v24i3.1242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare primary cutaneous tumor. So far, few cases have been reported. Herewith we report a case of an 87-years-old male with painless, ulceroproliferative growth measuring 6x6 cm, over right upper outer quadrant of buttock; stage IIB (TNM, T3cNoMo). Patient received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, injection of carboplatin 420 mg (day one) and etoposide 140 mg (day one to three) three weekly for three cycles followed external beam radiotherapy by Cobalt 60. At three months post-treatment follow-up, clinically no evidence of residual disease or recurrences noted. The purpose of reporting this case was to emphasize to its rarity, early asymptomatic clinical course leading to possibility of delayed diagnosis and paramount importance of high index of clinical suspicion in definitive diagnosis for better treatment result.
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Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, clinically aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine neoplasm with a high mortality rate. Though the etiology is not precisely known, Merkel cell polyomavirus DNA has been found recently in a large percentage of MCC tumors. Other suggested risk factors include sun exposure, immunosuppression, and a history of prior malignancy. Work up of patients with MCC most notably includes nodal staging via clinical examination or sentinel lymph node biopsy. The prognosis for most patients with MCC is poor, and the rarity of MCC precludes the prospective, randomized clinical trials necessary to elucidate optimum treatment protocols. Most published data support the use of a multimodality approach centered around surgical excision with negative margins, sentinel lymph node biopsy to establish the presence or absence of nodal metastases, adjuvant radiothearpy to decrease the risk of recurrence, and systemic chemotherapy in the case of widespread disease.
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Merkel cell carcinoma of left groin: a case report and literature review. Case Rep Oncol Med 2013; 2013:431743. [PMID: 23762689 PMCID: PMC3673403 DOI: 10.1155/2013/431743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon highly aggressive skin malignancy with an increased tendency to recur locally, invade regional lymph nodes, and metastasize distally to lung, liver, brain, bone, and skin. The sun-exposed skin of head and neck is the most frequent site of involvement (55%). We report the case of a 63-year-old Caucasian male patient who presented with a recurrent left inguinal mass for the third time after surgical resection with safe margins and no postoperative radio- or chemotherapy. The presented mass was excised, and pathological diagnosis revealed recurrent MCC. The patient underwent postoperative radiation therapy, and 6 months later, he developed a right groin mass which was resected and pathological diagnosis confirmed metastatic MCC. Six months later, patient developed an oropharyngeal mass which was unresectable, and pathological biopsy confirmed metastatic MCC. Patient was offered palliative radio- and chemotherapy. In this paper, we also present a brief literature review on MCC.
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Lyhne D, Lock-Andersen J, Dahlstrøm K, Drzewiecki KT, Balslev E, Muhic A, Krarup-Hansen A. Rising incidence of Merkel cell carcinoma. J Plast Surg Hand Surg 2012; 45:274-80. [PMID: 22250719 DOI: 10.3109/2000656x.2011.613233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive, skin cancer of obscure histogenesis, the incidence of which is rising. There is no consensus on the optimal treatment. Our aim was to evaluate the staging, investigation, treatment, and follow-up of MCC in eastern Denmark, and to investigate the incidence. We suggest guidelines for treatment. First we reviewed the medical records of 51 patients diagnosed with MCC from 1995 until 2006 in eastern Denmark. The nation-wide incidence of MCC was extracted from the Danish Cancer Registry for the calculations for the period 1986-2003. We reviwed published papers about MCC based on a MEDLINE search. Fourteen of the 51 patients developed recurrence, and 37 (73%) died during the study period. Mean follow-up was 13 months (range 1-122). A total of 153 patients were identified in the Danish Cancer Registry, and showed that incidence rates had increased 5.4 fold over the 18 year period from 1986 until 2003. Rates were highest in people over the age of 65. Recommended treatment with curative intent includes excision of the primary tumour with wide margins, excision of the sentinel node, computed tomogram (CT) or positron emission tomography (PET) of the thorax and abdomen, and adjuvant radiotherapy to the surgical bed. In the case of advanced disease, systemic palliative chemotherapy remains a possibility. There is a need for prospective multicentre evaluation of staging investigations and treatment of MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorte Lyhne
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen.
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Abstract
This is a new case of Merkel cell carcinoma of the vulva. It is a rare neuroendocrine carcinoma with an aggressive behavior. Because of its rarity in this location, it is not clear whether it behaves differently from the usual neuroendocrine carcinomas of the skin. A case of a 63-year-old patient with vulvar Merkel carcinoma is presented. The clinical presentation, microscopic and immunohistochemical features, and treatment are discussed.
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Veness M, Foote M, Gebski V, Poulsen M. The Role of Radiotherapy Alone in Patients With Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Reporting the Australian Experience of 43 Patients. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2010; 78:703-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2009.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2009] [Revised: 08/12/2009] [Accepted: 08/13/2009] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Veness M, Howle J. Patients with clinically node negative extremity Merkel cell carcinoma: The importance of identifying and treating patients with microscopic nodal metastases. Australas J Dermatol 2010; 51:274-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.2010.00702.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Kamo R, Kumei A, Ueoku S, Kusutani N, Sowa J, Ishii M. Importance of sentinel lymph node biopsy in Merkel cell carcinoma. J Dermatol 2010; 37:1068-70. [PMID: 21083715 DOI: 10.1111/j.1346-8138.2010.00941.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Koh CSL, Veness MJ. Role of definitive radiotherapy in treating patients with inoperable Merkel cell carcinoma: The Westmead Hospital experience and a review of the literature. Australas J Dermatol 2009; 50:249-56. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.2009.00532.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare tumor of the skin with aggressive behavior, is usually fatal when advanced disease is present. Merkel cell carcinoma occurs mostly in white race between 60 and 80 years of age, however, it can occur in any races and ages. It is extremely rare in children. We present here a Merkel cell carcinoma in a boy. Its features and treatment modalities were discussed in the literature light.
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McGuire JF, Ge NN, Dyson S. Nonmelanoma skin cancer of the head and neck I: histopathology and clinical behavior. Am J Otolaryngol 2009; 30:121-33. [PMID: 19239954 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2008.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2008] [Accepted: 03/08/2008] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Non-Melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most commonly encountered malignancy in almost every area of practice, but the cases that present to an Otolaryngology practice will be advanced in nature. The major subtypes of NMSC include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, merkel cell carcinoma, and adnexal malignancies. In this review, we present the epidemiology, histology, clinical presentation and management of these major subtypes. Further, we present background on multimodality treatment for NMSC lesions that have become metastatic from their primary site and an introduction to the behavior and treatment of NMSC lesions in patients who have received organ transplants. Understanding the clinical behavior of advanced NMSC is essential knowledge for a general Otolaryngologist.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F McGuire
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
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Abstract
Merkel cell carcinomas are aggressive tumours for which histological prognostic factors need to be established. This study examines the prognostic role of vascular density, based on CD34 immunohistochemical staining in Merkel cell carcinoma. Thirty-six cases of Merkel cell carcinoma were immunohistochemically stained for the endothelial marker CD34. Vascular density was assessed in the tumor and stroma with a Chalkley eyepiece graticule. The scores of vascular density were correlated with other clinical and histological parameters to determine the prognostic significance of tumor vascularity. Increased vascular density was shown to be significantly associated with a worse prognosis (P = 0.005). A 1-unit increase in total vessel score was associated with a 3.9 times increase in the risk of death (95% hazard ratio confidence limits 1.50-10.32). Other factors associated with a worse outcome included tumor size (P = 0.05), the presence of lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.03), and tumor mast cell count (P < 0.002). Increased vascular density is associated with a worse prognosis in Merkel cell carcinomas. Assessment of vascular density may assist in predicting clinical behavior in these tumors and in evaluating the effects of adjuvant therapy.
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Expression of VEGF-A/C, VEGF-R2, PDGF-alpha/beta, c-kit, EGFR, Her-2/Neu, Mcl-1 and Bmi-1 in Merkel cell carcinoma. Mod Pathol 2008; 21:876-84. [PMID: 18408656 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2008.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but very aggressive tumor of the skin. With current treatment options, Merkel cell carcinoma is associated with a high incidence of recurrence and metastasis. Targeted anticancer therapies such as receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and antisense oligonucleotides have been found to be a promising new type of treatment for various types of cancer. To evaluate whether the use of targeted therapies is a possible treatment option in Merkel cell carcinoma, we determined the expression of the target molecules c-kit, Mcl-1, Bmi-1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-receptor 2 (VEGF-R2), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-alpha, PDGF-beta, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Her-2/Neu in a tissue microarray of 32 samples of 29 patients with Merkel cell carcinoma. C-kit-positive samples were analyzed for mutations in exons 9 and 11. The tissue microarray was stained immunohistochemically with antibodies directed against the above-mentioned proteins, and an immunoreactivity score was calculated. DNA was extracted from c-kit-positive samples and was analyzed for exon 9 and 11 mutations using direct DNA sequencing. We found that c-kit (7%), Mcl-1 (88%), Bmi-1 (78%), VEGF-A (91%), VEGF-C (75%) VEGF-R2 (88%), PDGF-alpha (72%) and PDGF-beta (13%) were expressed in Merkel cell carcinomas. All samples showed a lack of EGFR and Her-2/Neu expression. Analysis of c-kit revealed no mutations. As VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-R2, PDGFs and c-kit are targets of new cytostatic agents used in the treatment of other cancers, inhibition by a multitargeted chemotherapy could be a very promising treatment option. High expression of Bmi-1 and Mcl-1 warrants further studies on the use of antisense oligonucleotides in Merkel cell carcinoma.
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Lee HJ, Park GH, Chang SE, Lee MW, Choi JH, Moon KC. A Case of Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Treated with Wide Excision and Adjuvant Radiotherapy. Ann Dermatol 2008; 20:90-3. [PMID: 27303168 DOI: 10.5021/ad.2008.20.2.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2007] [Accepted: 02/25/2008] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare aggressive primary cutaneous neuroendocrine skin cancer arising from the basal epidermis. Although the majority of patients with non-melanoma skin cancer are cured by local treatment, patients with Merkel cell carcinoma have a poor outcome characterized by locoregional and distant relapse. No standard treatment protocol for Merkel cell carcinoma exists. But, there is mounting evidence that combined treatment, incorporating adjuvant radiotherapy, improves the outcome (locoregional control and disease-free survival) compared with surgery alone in most patients. Herein we report a case of Merkel cell carcinoma treated with wide local excision and post-operative radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Ju Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gyeong Hun Park
- Department of Dermatology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Eun Chang
- Department of Dermatology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mi Woo Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jee Ho Choi
- Department of Dermatology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kee Chan Moon
- Department of Dermatology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Papamichail M, Nikolaidis I, Nikolaidis N, Glava C, Lentzas I, Marmagkiolis K, Karassavsa K, Digalakis M. Merkel cell carcinoma of the upper extremity: case report and an update. World J Surg Oncol 2008; 6:32. [PMID: 18328106 PMCID: PMC2279132 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7819-6-32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2007] [Accepted: 03/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive cutaneous primary small cell carcinoma. It is commonly seen in elderly affecting the head, neck, and extremities. Macroscopically may be difficult to distinguish MCC from other small cells neoplasms especially oat cell carcinoma of the lung. Case presentation It is presented a case report concerning a 72 years old male with a MMC on the dorsal aspect of the right wrist. The patient underwent a diagnostic excisional biopsy and after the histological confirmation of the diagnosis a second excision was performed to achieve free margins. No postoperative radiation or adjuvant chemotherapy was given and within 9 years follow up no recurrence was reported. Conclusion Although most cases present as localized disease treatment should be definitive due to high rates of local or systemic recurrence. Treatment includes excision of the lesion, lymphadenectomy, postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy depending on the stage of the disease. Even when locoregional control is achieved close surveillance is required due to high rates of relapse.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review highlights the most important developments in the biology and treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma published in the medical literature over the past year. RECENT FINDINGS Adjuvant radiotherapy to the primary site with or without coverage of the nodal region is recommended in most older series, although a risk-adapted approach is more reasonable. Sentinel lymph node biopsy should be considered in all cases irrespective of primary size. If not feasible, prophylactic regional radiotherapy is recommended as the risk of regional relapse without nodal staging is about 45%. Adjuvant radiotherapy to nodal regions after lymphadenectomy is not studied in detail, but there is a suggestion from many series that the recurrence rate is high enough to justify its use. Recent research has revealed that adjuvant chemotherapy currently has no established role in the treatment of localized node-negative Merkel cell carcinoma. Its use in pathologically node-positive or recurrent cases requires further study. SUMMARY Given the lack of randomized evidence and heterogeneity in published retrospective series, clinical judgment is required to assess risk factors of an individual patient to make treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Tai
- Allan Blair Cancer Center, University of Saskatchewan, Regina, Sask, Canada.
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Eng TY, Boersma MG, Fuller CD, Goytia V, Jones WE, Joyner M, Nguyen DD. A comprehensive review of the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma. Am J Clin Oncol 2008; 30:624-36. [PMID: 18091058 DOI: 10.1097/coc.0b013e318142c882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon but malignant cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma with a high incidence of local recurrence, regional lymph node metastases, and subsequent distant metastases. The etiology of MCC remains unknown. It usually occurs in sun-exposed areas in elderly people, many of whom have a history of other synchronous or metachronous sun-associated skin lesions. The outcome for most patients with MCC is generally poor. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment. The role of adjuvant therapy has been debated. However, data from recent development support a multimodality approach, including surgical excision of primary tumor with adequate margins and sentinel lymph node dissection followed by postoperative radiotherapy in most cases, as current choice of practice with better locoregional control and disease-free survival. Patients with regional nodal involvement or advanced disease should undergo nodal dissection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and, perhaps, systemic platinum-based chemotherapy in most cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Y Eng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
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Calder KB, Coplowitz S, Schlauder S, Morgan MB. A case series and immunophenotypic analysis of CK20−/CK7+ primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. J Cutan Pathol 2007; 34:918-23. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0560.2007.00759.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Boghossian V, Owen ID, Nuli B, Xiao PQ. Neuroendocrine (Merkel cell) carcinoma of the retroperitoneum with no identifiable primary site. World J Surg Oncol 2007; 5:117. [PMID: 17949500 PMCID: PMC2117014 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7819-5-117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2007] [Accepted: 10/19/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroendocrine carcinoma is an aggressive neoplasm that mainly affects elderly Caucasians and typically arises in sun-exposed areas of the skin. The disease is rather rare and only a relatively few cases present with no apparent primary lesion. CASE PRESENTATION We report a case of an 81-year-old Caucasian male with neuroendocrine carcinoma, which initially presented as a large retroperitoneal mass. Pathological and immunohistochemical analysis of the transabdominal CT-guided biopsy specimen revealed tissue consistent with neuroendocrine carcinoma. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy and the mass was successfully excised along with an associated mesenteric lymph node. DISCUSSION There are currently two possible explanations for what occurred in our patient. First, the retroperitoneal mass could be a massively enlarged lymph node where precursor cells became neoplastic. This would be consistent with a presumptive diagnosis of primary nodal disease. Alternatively, an initial skin lesion could have spontaneously regressed and the retroperitoneal mass represents a single site of metastasis. Since Merkel cell precursors have never been identified within lymph nodes, the latter theory seems more befitting. Moreover, metastasis to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes has been reported as relatively common when compared to other sites such as liver, bone, brain and skin. CONCLUSION Wide local excision of the primary tumor is the surgical treatment of choice for localized disease. We propose that further studies are needed to elucidate the true efficacy of chemotherapy in conventional as well as unconventional patients with neuroendocrine carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Boghossian
- Department of Surgery, Brooklyn Hospital Center, 121 Dekalb Ave, Brooklyn, New York, NY 11201, USA.
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Strobel ES, Feyer P, Steingräber M, Schmitt-Gräff A, Kohl PK. An unusual case of Merkel cell carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2007; 134:119-23. [PMID: 17653576 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-007-0257-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2007] [Accepted: 06/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare aggressive neuroendocrine tumor of the skin mainly found in elderly white patients. Due to its poor prognosis with distant metastases in up to 33% and local recurrence in 25-33% and a 5 year disease-specific survival of 64% (1-2) its early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is mandatory. METHODS The study is an exceptional clinical case of a patient with a large inoperable MCC unable to be treated according to treatment guidelines due to her old age. We review the literature addressing treatment options. RESULTS The patient was treated with palliative definitive radiotherapy to her large MCC of the left lower leg. She showed a rapid clinical response to four palliative radiation doses of 7 Gy each, necrosis of tumor mass and persistent clearing at a follow-up of 32 weeks. Our patient was very unusual in terms of her extensive MCC and her rapid and complete response to palliative radiotherapy lasting for 6 months at present. CONCLUSIONS As MCC is an aggressive tumor, best survival is achieved with early diagnosis in a localized stage and prompt adequate surgery and further stage-adjusted treatment. Thus, the differential diagnosis of MCC should not be dismissed in a reddish nodule on the leg, and every excision should be submitted to pathology. In accordance with the literature we demonstrate here that definitive radiotherapy is an effective treatment option for inoperable MCC, which in this individual patient produced necrosis of the extensive tumor mass after only four palliative doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Susanne Strobel
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Georg Vorsorge- und Rehabilitationskliniken, Kurhausplatz 1, 79862 Höchenschwand, Germany.
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