A case of Merkel cell carcinoma

Abstract

Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but aggressive form of Neuroendocrine skin cancer that metastasizes to other parts of the body 1 . This cutaneous neuroendocrine tumor primarily affects older individuals, with most cases typically occurring after the age of sixty- five 2 . Five-year overall survival rates range between 48% and 63%. 3 MCC is commonly seen in patients with compromised immune systems, comprising approximately 10% of all MCC cases. Patients with HIV and those who have undergone solid organ transplantation are 13 times and 23.8 times more likely to develop MCC, respectively 4 . Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) has been found to cause gene mutations leading to this form of skin cancer, while immunosuppression and ultraviolet radiation are also significant risk factors in its development. Nearly one-third of patients are diagnosed initially with loco-regional metastases, such as in- transit metastases or lymph node metastases. MCC can present itself as a cutaneous or subcutaneous nodule that is red, pink, blue, violet, or skin color. (4) MCC has a high propensity for recurrence. 5