title: [Merkel cell tumor].
abstract: Merkel cell cancer is a rare carcinoma arising from the neuroendocrin cells of the skin. The diagnosis is based on the clinical behaviour, histopathologic and ultrastructural findings and immunohistochemical results. An unusual case of Merkel cell carcinoma is presented. Mass from the umbiculus and a right inguinal lymph node was excised in a 63-year-old female. The histologic features of a typical, primitive small cell tumor combined with the immunohistochemical evaluations established the diagnosis. Rare polynuclear giant cells were focally present in our case. Patient was treated with combination of chemotherapy (Cisplatin, Etoposid) and radiotherapy. Control examinations showed complete respond. One year later metastasis developed. Resection of all known metastasis were performed. Two months after the laparotomy she died of metastatic disease. The autopsy did not reveal any other primary tumor. The capricious nature of the clinical course and the differences between this tumor and other carcinomas is emphasized.
authors.affiliation: Semmelweis Orvostudományi Egyetem Oktató Kórház, I. Belgyógyászati és Kemoterápiás Osztály, Budapest.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fónyad
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rosta
authors.forename: E K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Tóth
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Szaleczky
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Katona
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Sápi
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ungár
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Poller
mesh_terms: D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008875:Middle Aged; D018358:Neuroendocrine Tumors / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology