Clinical cases
MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but highly aggressive primary cutaneous carcinoma of the skin with neuroendocrine origin. It occurs mostly in elderly and is often associated with Polyoma virus infection. It grows rapidly and metastasizes quickly and is highly resistant to treatment, while its monomorphous nodular, nonpigmented appearance predisposes to misdiagnosis and late treatment. The clinician should be advised of the characteristics of this tumor, in order to ensure early detection and a better prognosis.

We present the case of a 79 year old woman with rapidly growing nodular Merkel cell carcinoma and briefly review the challenges in diagnosis and the updates in the management of this deadly tumor.