J Korean Soc Microsurg.  2009 May;18(1):31-34.

Reconstruction with Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Free Flap in Patients with Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Report of Two Cases

• Kim KN
• Kim TG
• Kim H
• Kang BS
• Hong JP

Abstract

PURPOSE
Merkel cell carcinoma, also called neuroendocrine carcinoma, is a very rare type of skin cancer that develops as Merkel cells grow out of control. Merkel cell carcinoma is reported below 1% of whole skin neoplasms in the United States and is known that the 2-year survival rate is about 50~70%. The principles of treatment are wide excision of primary lesion with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy that decrease the local recurrent rate. There has been no report of reconstruction with free flap after resection of Merkel cell carcinoma in Korea.
METHODS
We reconstructed the skin and soft tissue defect after wide excision of Merkel cell carcinoma with anterolateral thigh perforator free flap in two cases. No distant metastasis was found at the preoperative imaging work-up. In one case, preoperative chemotherapy was performed and the size of lesion was decreased.
RESULTS
There were no recurrence and significant complications. Functionally and aesthetically satisfactory results were obtained with reconstruction.
CONCLUSION
Wide excision and reconstruction with anterolateral thigh perforator free flap for Merkel cell carcinoma patient is the first report in Korea. We regard this method as the treatment of choice in Merkel cell carcinoma.

Keyword

Merkel cell carcinoma; Anterolateral thigh perforator free flap

MeSH Terms

Carcinoma, Merkel Cell
Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine
Free Tissue Flaps
Humans
Korea
Merkel Cells
Neoplasm Metastasis
Recurrence
Skin
Skin Neoplasms
Survival Rate
Thigh
United States