Merkel cell carcinoma: Review

Melissa P. Pulitzer, Bijal D. Amin, Klaus J. Busam

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

97 Scopus citations

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is synonymous with primary cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma. It tends to affects elderly whites, but there is also an increased incidence among immunosuppressed patients. The recent identification of a novel polyomavirus associated with the tumor has stimulated renewed interest in its pathogenesis. MCC tends to show classic histologic features of a neuroendocrine carcinoma and is often positive for CK20, but nonclassic cytologic findings and unusual immunophenotypes may be observed and can lead to a diagnostic confusion. MCC needs to be distinguished from other primary cutaneous tumors with a small cell appearance and metastatic tumors. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice, but radiation therapy has also found to be effective. Sentinel lymph node biopsy has become an integral part of the staging of patients with MCC.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)135-144
Number of pages10
JournalAdvances in Anatomic Pathology
Volume16
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2009

Keywords

  • CK20
  • Differential diagnosis
  • Merkel cell carcinoma
  • Pathogenesis
  • Polyomavirus
  • Review
  • Sentinel lymph node

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Anatomy
  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine

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