Practice Essentials

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is the eponym for primary cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma, a dermal neoplasm with cytoplasmic, dense-core neuroendocrine granules and keratin filaments. A rare cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous neoplasm that lacks distinguishing clinical features. More than half of Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) occur in the head and neck of elderly people, in areas of actinically damaged skin. The most common site of occurrence is the periorbital region. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) has a propensity to recur and to cause local and distant metastases. Distant metastases indicate a condition that is nearly always fatal.^[1]

Current treatment consists of wide local excision with adjuvant irradiation. Neck dissection is used for clinically positive nodes, and chemotherapy is given for advanced disease.^[2]

If the prognosis of patients with (MCC) is to be improved, early diagnoses are needed, and further understanding of the roles of neck dissection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy must be attained.^[3]

Symptoms of Merkel cell carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) commonly appears as a painless mass on or just under the skin surface. Appropriate clinical diagnosis is often delayed because of a lack of symptoms. The tumor may take on an erythematous or violaceous appearance.

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Kim JA, Choi AH. Effect of radiation therapy on survival in patients with resected Merkel cell carcinoma: a propensity score surveillance, epidemiology, and end results database analysis. JAMA Dermatol. 2013 Jul. 149(7):831-8. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].
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Media Gallery

Common distribution of Merkel cell carcinoma in the head and neck.
Merkel cell carcinoma affecting the right nasal ala.

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#author-disclosures{display:block}#author-disclosures.modal-layer{position:relative}#author-disclosures .modal-content{max-height:none}#author-disclosures .close-modal{display:none}

Author

James M Pearson, MD Private Practice, Beverly Hills/Hermosa Beach, CA

James M Pearson, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, California Medical Association, Los Angeles County Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Michael J Pitman, MD Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; Chief, Division of Laryngology, Director, Voice and Swallowing Institute, ColumbiaDoctors, Columbia University Medical Center

Michael J Pitman, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Voice Foundation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Received salary from Medscape for employment. for: Medscape.

M Sherif Said, MD, PhD Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine; Associate Director of Pathology Department, Denver Health Medical Center

M Sherif Said, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Society for Clinical Pathology, College of American Pathologists

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA Emeritus Professor of Otolaryngology, Dentistry, and Engineering, University of Colorado School of Medicine

Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Head and Neck Society

Disclosure: Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant or trustee for: Cerescan; Neosoma; MI10;Invitrocaptal,Medtechsyndicates<br/>Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Neosoma; Cyberionix (CYBX);MI10;Invitrocaptal;MTS<br/>Received ownership interest from Cerescan for consulting for: Neosoma, MI10 advisor.

Additional Contributors

M Abraham Kuriakose, MD, DDS, FRCS Chairman, Head and Neck Institute, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences

M Abraham Kuriakose, MD, DDS, FRCS is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for Cancer Research, American Head and Neck Society, British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Royal College of Surgeons of England

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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