Merkel cell carcinoma of the upper extremity. A case report.

10.17605/OSF.IO/B97PF

 

Tamez Pedroza L. Pacheco Molina C, Alarcón Sandoval AA, Facio Treviño JA, Treviño Lozano MA, Muñoz Maldonado GE. Merkel cell carcinoma of the upper extremity. A case report. Am J Med Surg. July 2021; 4(3). 10-12

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Abstract:

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare form of neuroendocrine carcinoma first described by Toker (1) as trabecular carcinoma in 1972, The name was changed to Merkel Cell carcinoma because the tumor cells resemble Merkel cells, which are present in the basal layer of the epidermis, in particular around hair follicles (2), These cells tend to express neuroendocrine markers such as chromogranin-A, synaptophysin and cytokeratin 20 (CK20). In this case we report a 64 year-old Hispanic woman with a history of left breast cancer 38 years previously managed with RT (Radiation therapy) and chemotherapy was referred to our hospital for surgical evaluation of disseminated Merkel cell carcinoma in the upper limb, we manage the patients with intravenous antibiotics and surgical management with upper limb amputation.

 

Key words: Merkel cell carcinoma; MCC, Neuroendocrine carcinoma.