Merkel cell carcinoma: interdisciplinary management of a rare disease.

2013

Schneider S, Thurnher D, Erovic BM.

Source

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.

Abstract

Background. The goal of this paper is to review contemporary multidisciplinary treatment with reference to Merkel cell carcinoma. Management of this rare but highly aggressive skin cancer is a complex undertaking that necessitates an understanding of its etiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, and the coordinated work of several clinical specializations. 

Recent Findings. The contemporary literature employs a multidisciplinary approach to achieve the best patient's treatment. 

Conclusion. This paper presents an algorithm for contemporary management for the rare and aggressive Merkel cell carcinoma. Multidisciplinary approach in a tumor center provides high-quality care for patients with Merkel cell carcinoma.

Full Text Article

Journal of Skin Cancer

Neuroembolization of metastatic Merkel cell cancer to the face for treatment of Kasabach-Merritt syndrome.

Feb 2013

Lee JH, Roychowdhury S, Nissenblatt MJ.

Source

Department of Radiology, UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA.

Abstract

Kasabach-Merritt syndrome is defined as a consumptive thrombocytopenia in the presence of a highly vascular tumor. Multiple treatment options, including transarterial embolization, have been described. We demonstrate that transarterial embolization is a viable option in the treatment of a rapidly progressive and debilitating Merkel cell tumor metastasizing to the head and neck presenting with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome.

BMJ - NeuroInterventional Surgery

A rare case of merkel cell carcinoma metastasis to the adrenal resected robotically.

Feb 2013

Alguraan Z, Agcaoglu O, Aliyev S, Berber E.

Source

Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute, Division of Endocrine Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

 Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon skin malignancy that has a high propensity for metastatic spread and there is no consensus regarding the optimal therapeutic approach. The relative roles of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are still controversial. As the robotic approaches are gaining more popularity over the recent years, herein we report our result for MCC using robotics.

METHODS:

We herein describe a patient with MCC metastases to the left adrenal gland, which was resected robotically. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia using the robotic camera and 2 robotic working ports.

RESULTS:

A 59-year-old woman, who was diagnosed to have MCC of the left forearm 1 year ago with stage T2 N1 and removed by wide excision, underwent left robotic lateral transabdominal adrenalectomy because of MCC metastasis to the left adrenal gland. She was discharged home on postoperative day 2 uneventfully and is currently alive at 18 months with no evidence of recurrent disease on imaging studies.

CONCLUSIONS:

 This case report demonstrates that minimally invasive adrenalectomy may be performed for isolated MCC metastasis.

PubMed