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Case Reports
. 2023 Dec 21;15(12):e50878.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.50878. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma Mimicking a Pyogenic Granuloma on the Thumb

Rafik Fanous  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Merkel Cell Carcinoma Mimicking a Pyogenic Granuloma on the Thumb

Rafik Fanous. Cureus. .

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive skin cancer that can present with various clinical manifestations. An 80-year-old male, known to have chronic lymphocytic leukaemia presented with a lesion on his left thumb, initially thought to be a pyogenic granuloma. The lesion was cauterized with silver nitrate but remained persistent. A curettage biopsy was performed, and a histopathological examination revealed MCC. The patient was subsequently referred to dermatology and plastic surgery for further management. The lesion was excised; a full-thickness skin graft was used to close the defect. This case highlights the importance of considering MCC in the differential diagnosis of skin lesions, even if they present with a benign appearance.

Keywords: cancer; granuloma; mcc; merkle cell carcinoma; pyogenic; silver nitrate cauterization; skin.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Left thumb with a 1 cm erythematous nodule showing telangiectasia
Figure 2
Figure 2. Histopathological picture of the lesion
Patient histology slide showing a dermal mass that approaching the subcutis. The epidermis is clear (Grenz Zone).
Figure 3
Figure 3. Full-thickness skin graft taken from lower abdomen region showing good healing and coverage.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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