Merkel cell carcinoma: a case series of twelve patients and review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare tumor of the skin.

Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of 12 cases of MCC diagnosed and treated over a 14-year period.

Results: Seven females and 5 males, with a median age of 72 years and MCC of the face (5), trunk (1) and extremities (6), were studied. The stage was I in 2 cases and II in 10. Eight patients had surgery, two surgery and chemotherapy and two chemotherapy only. The last two patients died of disease after 10 and 16 months. Three patients suffered locoregional recurrence after 4, 6 and 24 months and three were lost to follow-up after 8, 9 and 24 months while disease-free. Two disease-free patients died of unrelated causes after 4 and 48 months, while three were alive and well after 24, 48 and 84 months. The three relapsing patients received chemotherapy in addition to local radiation in one case. One is alive and well, the other alive with disease and the third died of disease after 84, 107 and 10 months, respectively.

Conclusion: MCC often recurs locally. Surgery is the treatment of choice, while radiotherapy is important for local control. Chemotherapy produces responses in the neoadjuvant setting or after relapse.