Merkel cell carcinoma arising in a patient with a history of multiple malignancies.

Oct 2012

Stevenson ML, Saggar S, Amin B, Mann RE.

Source

Department of Dermatology, Columbia University School of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA. marylstevenson@gmail.com

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and highly aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. Although the association between MCC and other primary malignancies has been documented, the mechanism of this association has not been elucidated. We report a case of MCC in a man with a history of multiple primary malignancies and treatment with immunomodulators. This case highlights the increased incidence of other malignancies in patients with MCC and is unique given the number and diversity of primary malignancies found in this patient.

PubMed

The Merkel cell carcinoma challenge: A review from the fine needle aspiration service.

Dec 2012

Bechert CJ, Schnadig V, Nawgiri R.

Source

Division of Cytopathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas.

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin that occurs primarily in elderly or immunocompromised patients. For this report, the authors reviewed the diagnostic challenges associated with MCC encountered on their fine-needle aspiration (FNA) service and also conducted an in-depth review of the literature on MCC. A computer search for patients who were diagnosed with MCC by FNA at the authors' institution from 2006 to 2010 was conducted, and 5 patients were selected for cytologic and immunochemical analyses based on their varied and diagnostically challenging clinical presentations. The 5 selected patients had clinical findings commonly associated with MCC, including advanced age (4 of the 5 patients were ages 75-85 years) and a history of previous malignancies (3 of the 5 patients had a history of previous malignancy), and 1 patient was diagnosed with a concomitant low-grade lymphoma. The patients and their disease illustrated the protean clinical presentation of MCC and the clinical and cytologic challenges associated with this neoplasm. The current findings indicate the need for cytopathologists to be aware of the deceptive presentation of this neoplasm and its cytologic and immunochemical features to correctly diagnose this insidious neoplasm.

Wiley Online

Additional Information:

Small Needle Biopsy (fine needle aspiration)