Merkel cell carcinoma in the setting of HIV infection.
Merkel cell carcinoma has been found to have an increased incidence among immunosuppressed patients, specifically organ transplant recipients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. HIV similarly depresses the immune response of infected persons. We report a case of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) in an HIV-infected patient who died from liver metastases 2 years after his tumor was diagnosed. The purpose of this report is to describe the possible relationship between HIV and MCC and to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and aggressive management of MCC.
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K P
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Department of Dermatology, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
Ratner
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D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015580:Mohs Surgery; D009669:Nose Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery