A Retrospective Analysis of Eight Cases of Merkel Cell Carcinoma.

Oh, Seung Il; Jin, Ung Sik; Chang, Hak; Kwon, Sung Tack; Minn, Kyung Won

doi:2013.14.1.41

Arch Craniofac Surg > Volume 14(1); 2013 > Article

Original Article

Archives of Craniofacial Surgery 2013;14(1):41-45.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7181/acfs.2013.14.1.41

A Retrospective Analysis of Eight Cases of Merkel Cell Carcinoma.

Seung Il Oh, Ung Sik Jin, Hak Chang, Sung Tack Kwon, Kyung Won Minn

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. usj1011@snu.ac.kr

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare locally aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma with a high incidence of local recurrence, regional lymph node metastasis, followed by distant metastasis. Because of shortage of the retrospective study, standard treatment has not been established. The purpose of this study was to present the surgical treatment and outcome of 8 patients with MCC. METHODS: We report our experiences with 8 patients who underwent treatment for MCC at our institution from 2000 through 2012. Two men and 6 women received treatment for MCC. The mean age was 76.4 years (range, 53 to 93 years).
RESULTS
The follow-up period ranged from 7 to 26 months (mean, 22.9). During the follow-up period, three of 8 patients had a relapse (mean time before recurrence, 10 months; 1 month, 7 months, and 22 months). After primary surgery, 3 patients underwent radiotherapy, and 1 patient received chemotherapy.
CONCLUSION
MCC is an aggressive skin cancer with a high rate of local recurrence. Complete surgical excision is the mainstay of local treatment, but adjuvant radiotherapy should be considered for better local control.

Keywords: Carcinoma; Merkel cell; Disease management