Merkel Cell Carcinoma of Cheek: 2 Case Reports

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare aggressive skin cancer with the mortality rate of 33%. MCC was first described by Toker in 1972 as a trabecular cell carcinoma and is classified as a neuroendocrine tumor similar to small cell lung carcinoma and melanoma. The pathogenesis of MCC remains largely unknown. However, ultraviolet radiation and immunosuppression are likely to play a significant pathogenic role. The primary skin lesion is usually asymptomatic and it typically presents as a red or purple dome-shaped nodule. The management of MCC is controversial, however, local wide excision followed by radiotherapy is accepted as the primary treatment modality. The regional draining nodal basin is the most common site for recurrence. Therefore, sentinel lymph node biopsy is recommended in all cases, except for the clinically node-negative cases. We herein report two cases of MCC on the left cheek with different clinical manifestations. Key WordsZZ Cheek ㆍMerkel cell carcinoma ㆍNeoplasms.

Reconstruction of Rapidly Growing Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Cheek With Multidisciplinary Cooperation

“…In addition, sentinel lymph node biopsy should be performed to confirm whether there is lymph node metastasis. A previous case study in which wide excision for the primary lesion of MCC was performed, but lymph node metastasis was found several months later because lymph node metastasis was not taken into consideration 9 . Therefore, if a lesion is diagnosed as MCC, it is essential to evaluate the metastatic status of lymph nodes.…”