Merkel cell carcinoma within follicular cysts: report of two cases.
Requena L, Jaqueti G, Rütten A, Mentzel T, Kutzner H.
Department of Dermatology, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain.
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare cutaneous neoplasm of unknown histogenesis. Several reports have described the association of Merkel cell carcinoma of the skin with other cutaneous neoplasms within the same lesion, and there are also reports describing three examples of Merkel cell carcinoma within follicular cysts. We describe two examples of Merkel cell carcinoma developed within epithelial cysts. Neoplastic cells of Merkel cell tumor expressed immunoreactivity for chromogranin, synaptophysin, neuron-specific enolase, CAM 5.2 and cytokeratin 20, the last two markers showing the characteristic paranuclear dot-like pattern. In contrast, the epithelial wall lining the cyst and surrounding Merkel cell tumor only expressed immunoreactivity for cytokeratin MNF116. The description of five cases of Merkel cell carcinoma within follicular cysts, including the two cases of this report, support some relationship between Merkel cell tumor and the hair follicle.
J Cutan Pathol. 2008 Dec
PMID: 18988316 [PubMed - in process]
About Me
- Pat O'Connor
- Am old enough to understand the difference between the Bay of Pigs - and roasting a pig at a epicurian feast. Been thru the hippy, yippie and yuppie years - always remaining who I am. Very much believe in "Sing your own song - weave your own tapestry" Am young enough to still know the thrill of new discoveries, the beauty of the evening, to celebrate the joy of another tommorow. Survived these many decades with a severe medical problems. Sorting out the maze of now having two lymphomas and all their nasty little companions, but I continue. Besides, being a simple iconoclastic eclectic, have been called many things. An incurable romanticist - with a strong touch of reality. Thinker, intellectual (God, how I hate that term) - been told I am a lion with the heart of the poet. Know how to wage war and conquer my foes - but would rather be known as one who brings hope and life. To bring hope into anothers life is the ultimate of joys. Life should be about bringing hope, peace, vision... a sense of purpose beyond yourself.