Ann Dermatol.  2019 Jun;31(3):272-278. 10.5021/ad.2019.31.3.272.

A Report of 13 Cases of Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Single-Center Experience and Review of the Literature

• Yazici S
• Irmak Yazici E
• Balaban Adim S
• Bulbul Baskan E
• AydoÄŸan K
• SaricaoÄŸlu H

• KMID: 2444858
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2019.31.3.272

Abstract

BACKGROUND
There is limited data knowledge of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) in Turkey aside from a few case reports.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics, demographic features, therapeutic parameters, and outcome of primary cutaneous MCC cases from Turkey.
METHODS
Digital medical records of the 13 MCC patients who were followed-up at a tertiary referral center were retrospectively analyzed. Clinic, demographic, tumor characteristics, and survival of the patients were retrieved.
RESULTS
Most of our patients were elderly. Female predominance was noticed. The most common primary site of the tumors was the lower extremities. The overall survival was 42 months, 68% at first year, 68% at third years, and 29% at fifth years.
CONCLUSION
This is the first largest report from Turkish population with female predominance, and lower extremity tendency.

Keyword

Mechanoreceptor; Merkel cell; Merkel cell carcinoma; Neuroendocrine carcinoma; Pathogenesis; Prognosis; Trabecular carcinoma

MeSH Terms

Aged
Carcinoma, Merkel Cell*
Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine
Female
Humans
Lower Extremity
Mechanoreceptors
Medical Records
Prognosis
Retrospective Studies
Tertiary Care Centers
Turkey

Figure

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  Fig. 1 A representative case of Merkel cell carcinoma with a 5×3.5×3 cm nodule for the last three months on the right knee (patient no. 3).

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  Fig. 2 A representative case of Merkel cell carcinoma with a 2.5×2×3.1 cm fast-growing telangiectasic nodule for the last three months on the left malar area (patient no. 2).

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  Fig. 3 Diagram of the primary tumor distribution at presentation in 13 patients. Blue color indicates male and pink color indicates female patients, and numbers is the sequence number as in Table 3. Accumulation of primary tumors around the high pressure joint like knee took our attention.

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  Fig. 4 Kaplan–Meier curves for overall survival of patients: At the time of the study, while the follow-up of four patients (12, 15, 17, 25 months) were continuing between 12th to 36th months Plateau shows fell down with a patients' dead at 36th months.

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