Merkel-Zell-Karzinom des Handrückens

Abstract

A 67-year old patient developed multiple flesh-colored nodules on the back of his left hand. Histological examination led to the diagnosis of a Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). This highly aggressive primary cutaneous tumor is classified as a neuroendocrine carcinoma. It affects mostly elderly and immunosuppressed patients. Recently, a new polyomavirus (MCPyV) has been detected in about 75-85% of MCC and seems to play an important role in their pathogenesis. This new finding may help to develop new therapeutic options for MCC.