Merkel cell carcinoma demographics, morphology, and survival based on 3870 cases: a population based study.
J Cutan Pathol. 2009 Jul 21
Albores-Saavedra J, Batich K, Chable-Montero F, Sagy N, Schwartz AM, Henson DE.
Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City.
Correspondence to Jorge Albores-Saavedra, MD, Department of Pathology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion, Vasco de Quiroga 15, Col. Seccion XVI, Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City Tlalpan, CP 14000, MexicoTel: + 52 55 548 70900Fax: + 52 55 548 53489e-mail:alboresjorge@yahoo.com
Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine tumor arising predominantly on sun-exposed skin of older and usually immunosuppressed individuals.
Methods: Using data from NCI's SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) Program from 1973 to 2006, we analyzed the demographics and survival of MCC.
Results: SEER had recorded 3870 cases of MCC. The incidence was higher in men (2380 cases, 61.5%) than in women (1490 cases, 38.5%). Most patients were White (94.9%) between 60 and 85 years of age. MCC was rare in Blacks. The most common location was the head and neck. The salivary glands, nasal cavity, lip, lymph nodes, vulva, vagina and esophagus were the most common extracutaneous sites. The 10-year relative survival rate was higher in women than men (64.8% vs. 50.5%, p <>
Conclusions: MCC arises predominantly in the skin of head and neck in White men above 70 years of age. Cases also occurred in extracutaneous sites. Age did not predict survival, yet gender, site and tumor size revealed clear differences. The most significant predictor of survival was tumor stage.
Wiley InterScience
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.