Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Vulva: A Case Report

Abstract

The clinical and pathologic findings of Merkel cell carcinoma of the vulva were reported. The light microscopic findings of sheets of small, uniform cells were consistent with a diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor. The electron microscopic characteristics revealed membrane‐bound secretory granules, confirmed the diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma. Regional lymphnode metastases were present at the time of initial surgery and the adjunctive radiotherapy was also given. This case was unusual because Merkel cell carcinoma was usually found on the face, extremities and buttocks.

Clinical features and treatment of vulvar Merkel cell carcinoma: a systematic review

“…11 cases reported radiation as a part of the treatment regimen, however three did not provide follow-up results for the patient, as radiotherapy had not been performed at the time the cases were written [11, 12, 15]. Of the eight patients with reported follow up, six patients experienced recurrence at an average of 5.8 months after treatment [14, 17, 21, 24–26]. Five of these cases reported the amount of radiation therapy, with an average of 6008 cGy [14, 21, 24–26].…”

“…Of the eight patients with reported follow up, six patients experienced recurrence at an average of 5.8 months after treatment [14, 17, 21, 24–26]. Five of these cases reported the amount of radiation therapy, with an average of 6008 cGy [14, 21, 24–26]. Six patients had recurrent disease after radiation therapy, three died after 0 [14], 3 [25], and 4 months [26] post-radiotherapy.…”

“…Six patients had recurrent disease after radiation therapy, three died after 0 [14], 3 [25], and 4 months [26] post-radiotherapy. Three patients with recurrence were still alive at 0 [24], 0 [21], and 8 months [17] post-radiotherapy. Of the two patients who did not experience recurrence, one patient received 5940 cGy and died at 8 months post-radiotherapy due to sepsis [18], while the other received 5000 cGy plus an additional 5000 cGy targeted at original mass location and was still alive at 24 months post-radiotherapy [16].…”

“…Local tumor + bilateral inguinal LN metastasesInitial: Vulvectomy + Bilateral lymphadenectomy + Radiotherapy3 months: Excision + Chemotherapy3 months: right thigh nodule, forehead nodule, single nodular lesion in left hilar region.6 months: Death. Autopsy: hilar, lung, liver, pancreas metastases.Chandeying et al 1989 [24]28Right labium majus 4 cm1 month history of painless lump. Local tumor + bilateral inguinal LN metastasesInitial: Vulvectomy + bilateral lymphadenectomy + radiotherapy3 months: Right leg pain improved with symptomatic treatment.4 months out: Alive.…”

Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Genitourinary Tract

“…There are 16 cases of vulvar MCC, to our knowledge, reported in the English literature. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] There are only 2 reported cases of Merkel cell carcinomas of the male genitourinary tract in the English literature, to our knowledge, one arising in the scrotum 21 and the other in the penis. 22 Because of its rarity, MCC in these uncommon sites may be mistaken for other more common neoplasms that occur at these sites.…”