Merkel cell carcinoma: report of two cases and clinical considerations

J Surg Oncol. 1992 Feb;49(2):131-4. doi: 10.1002/jso.2930490215.

Abstract

We present the clinical and pathological features of two cases of facial Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) and a critical reappraisal of the literature on this subject. Among patients with this presentation of a rare neoplasm, the disease is very often localized (local or locoregional growth, without distant metastases). Radiotherapy seems to be highly effective in obtaining local control and possibly cure, even when used as the sole treatment method; prompt regression of the neoplastic masses has been observed in both the cases we treated. One of them, and many of those reported in the literature and treated with radiotherapy alone or combined with surgery, achieved long-term survival.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / radiotherapy
  • Eyelid Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Eyelid Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Facial Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Facial Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Middle Aged
  • Neck
  • Radiotherapy Dosage