title: Management of Merkel cell tumour.
abstract: The records of 13 patients suffering from Merkel cell tumour of the skin have been reviewed and the treatment analysed. Pending further experience of this uncommon tumour, a recommendation is made for wide excision of the primary site with elective postoperative radiation to both the primary site, the in-transit zone where practicable, and regional nodes. If malignant nodes occur, block dissection with postoperative radiotherapy is indicated. If widespread metastases develop, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone chemotherapy may give a response. The prognosis is poor.
authors.affiliation: Queensland Radium Institute, Mater Centre, South Brisbane, Queensland.
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Bourne
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: O'Rourke
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001132:Arm; D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000628:therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors