Fact-sheet: Merkel-cell carcinoma


Updated on 09/27/2024 at 9:03 AM

Note : 0/10

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Definition

Cutaneous tumor of neuroendocrine origin associated with the presence of a polyomavirus in 80% of cases, with a poor prognosis (comparable to that of Malignant melanoma).

Clinical features

Exceptional tumor before age 50, with increasing incidence in immunocompromised patients (transplant, autoimmune disease, hematologic malignancy, HIV).

Predominance in sun-exposed areas with fair skin type.

Rapidly evolving exophytic red or flesh-colored cutaneous nodule, or subcutaneous nodule.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound of the primary region and draining lymph node areas

MRI

Staging workup with brain MRI

Nuclear medicine

Staging workup with 18-FDG PET-CT