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Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Ronald G. Chambers, Jr., FAAFP, MD Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

  • Rare, highly aggressive, cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma classically found on the head and neck of elderly individuals

  • System(s) affected: skin

  • Synonym(s): primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of ...

DIAGNOSIS

Complete examination of skin and regional lymph nodes, followed by biopsy. Sentinel lymph node biopsy should be considered for all patients because even small tumors have been shown to have ...

TREATMENT

Primary: wide local excision followed by local/regional radiation, including affected lymph node basin (2)[C

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Wide local excision (>1 cm for lesions <2 cm in size and ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Regular follow-up appointments with dermatologist every 1 to 3 months for the 1st year, every 3 to 6 months in 2nd year, and annually thereafter (2)[C]

  • CT scans e...

REFERENCES

1
Agelli  M, Clegg  LX. Epidemiology of primary Merkel cell carcinoma in the United States. J Am Acad Dermatol.  2003;49(5):832–841. [View Abstract on OvidMedlin...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Albores-Saavedra  J, Batich  K, Chable-Montero  F, et al. Merkel cell carcinoma demographics, morphology, and survival based on 3870 cases: a population b...

CODES

ICD10

  • C4A.9 Merkel cell carcinoma, unspecified

  • C4A.30 Merkel cell carcinoma of unspecified part of face

  • C4A.4 Merkel cell carcinoma of scalp and neck

  • C4A.60 Merkel cell carcinoma of unsp upper limb,...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • MCC is a rare, cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma that classically presents as a rapidly enlarging red-pink to violaceous solitary dome-shaped nodule or firm plaque on the head and nec...

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