Merkel cell carcinoma

The Merkel cell carcinoma, cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma is a very rare malignant skin tumor originating from the Merkel cells of the epidermis. The incidence is 0.1 to 0.3 cases per 100,000 population per year. The typically occur in old age and reddish- looking spherical tumors grow preferentially on sun-exposed skin of the face and extremities, which is why a connection between tumorigenesis and UV exposure is suspected. The majority of the diseases to be caused by a virus discovered in 2008, the Merkel cell polyomavirus.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made by sampling and histological examination. In addition, an immunohistochemical examination is always necessary to allow the exclusion of other similar-looking tumors. Since Merkel cell carcinomas metastasize, plus a spread of the efferent lymphatics diagnosis is performed.

Therapy

The tumors are surgically removed with the greatest possible safety distance and it is done in many cases, a biopsy of the sentinel node. The treatment concept is dependent on the result of the histological examination ( cell type, immunohistochemical studies ) and the staging ( lymph node involvement, distant metastases). In addition to surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be necessary.