Carcinoma de células de Merkel

Andrea Soledad Rama; Vicenta Neglia; Alejandra Abeldaño

doi:10.47196/da.v26i4.2152

Authors

Andrea Soledad Rama General Hospital of Acute Dr. Cosme Argerich, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Vicenta Neglia General Hospital of Acute Dr. Cosme Argerich, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Alejandra Abeldaño General Hospital of Acute Dr. Cosme Argerich, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47196/da.v26i4.2152

Keywords:

Merkel cell carcinoma, polyomavirus

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin tumor, with higher mortality rates than melanoma, and high rates of locoregional recurrence and distant metastases. Its incidence is low but it has been increasing in the last years, and it is estimated that it will continue to rise.

It more frequently affects elderly patients, especially those over 65 years old, with a slight predominance in men. Its etiopathogenesis is related, on the one hand, to ultraviolet radiation exposure (UVR), and on the other, with the infection of a new polyomavirus, the first one associated with neoplasias in humans.

Usually it presents as an erythematous, firm, fast growing and asymptomatic tumor, in sun-exposed areas of the skin. Because it lacks distinguishing characteristic features, its clinical suspicion is low and generally can be confused with benign lesions.

The diagnosis is made through the clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical study of the lesion. With hematoxylin and eosin staining, we can observe it is composed of small blue cells, with sparse cytoplasm and hyperchromatic nuclei. Immunohistochemistry is positive for cytokeratin 20 with high sensitivity.

Surgical removal of the primary tumor constitutes the preferred treatment. The latest recommendations include the histopathological study of the sentinel node when MCC is diagnosed for a correct staging. According to the stage, the therapeutic approach will planned in a multidisciplinary way.

Author Biographies

Andrea Soledad Rama, General Hospital of Acute Dr. Cosme Argerich, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Fifth Year Concurrent Medical Doctor. Dermatology Unit, Argerich Hospital.

Vicenta Neglia, General Hospital of Acute Dr. Cosme Argerich, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Medical Doctor. Dermatology Unit, Argerich Hospital.

Alejandra Abeldaño, General Hospital of Acute Dr. Cosme Argerich, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Head of the Dermatology Unit, Argerich Hospital.

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