European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

MERKLE CELL CARCINOMA OF LEFT FOREARM: A CASE OF RARE SKIN TUMOR

Hassan Arekemase, Muhammad Tahir*, Jawaria Rahman, Tayyaba Zubair and Abdul Basit

ABSTRACT

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), also known as the primary cutaneous neuroendocrine neoplasm of the skin is a highly aggressive tumor that commonly occurs in exposed areas of the body, especially at the head, neck, and extremities in elderly patients. This rare cancer originates from Merkel cells; the cells usually found at dermo-epidermal junction with neuroendocrine characteristics. In the United States, the approximate incidence of Merkel cell carcinoma is very low but the overall prognosis of MCC is not favorable. The only treatment options available for MCC are wide local surgical excision and Mohs microscopic surgery if indicated by anatomical factors. For nodal disease and postsurgical, adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy also recommended for a better outcome and decreased the chances of reoccurrence. However, despite the available treatment modalities for MCC, at present new treatment options and strategies are under investigation.

Keywords: Markel cell carcinoma, Neuroendocrine tumor, Rare Skin tumor.