Merkel cell carcinoma and multiple cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas in a patient with pityriasis rubra pilaris

Australas J Dermatol. 2002 Feb;43(1):48-51. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-0960.2002.00552.x.

Abstract

A 79-year-old female was diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) and multiple cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) occurring on a background of pityriasis rubra pilaris. At the time of initial diagnosis and treatment for upper limb MCC, axillary nodal metastases were clinically evident. In the ensuing months, she developed multiple rapidly progressing SCC and eventually a left arm soft tissue deposit of metastatic MCC. Treatment involved multiple courses of fractionated radiotherapy. The salient clinical features and supporting evidence for this case are presented.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Axilla
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / etiology*
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / radiotherapy
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / secondary
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / etiology*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / radiotherapy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / secondary
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hand Dermatoses / pathology
  • Humans
  • Leg Dermatoses / pathology
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / etiology*
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / radiotherapy
  • Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris / complications*
  • Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris / diagnosis
  • Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris / radiotherapy
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Treatment Outcome