Merkel cell carcinoma: Our experience in this rare pathology

ABSTRACT

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) was first described in 1972 by Toker, who described five cases of the so-called“trabecular carcinoma of the skin”. MCC is a rare, aggressive skin cancer that affects mainly the elderly. Sun exposedareas are mainly affected, specially the head and neck. Immunohistochemical analysis is essential to reacha correct diagnosis. According to the origin of MCC, the tumor expresses both epithelial and neuroendocrinemarkers. MCC has a propensity for recurrence, regional and distant metastases. Several treatment options areavailable, such as surgical excision or Moh’s surgery, accompanied by neck dissection or radio and chemotherapyin advanced cases. The present study aims to evaluate the clinical behaviour and the evolution of five cases of thisdisease that were treated at our institution (reference to 1100000 inhabitants) in the last five years. It is stressed onthe bad prognosis of this pathology, which presents high rates of locoregional recurrence, even though the recentadvances in radio and chemotherapy (AU)

RESUMEN

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