title: Merkel cell carcinoma: an overview and case report.
abstract: Merkel cell carcinoma is an extremely rare neoplasm with a high rate of recurrence and metastasis. The lesions predominantly arise on sun-exposed areas of skin in whites between the sixth and seventh decades of life. Within the head and neck region, the cheeks and eyelids are the most common sites. This article outlines the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of this rare but highly aggressive tumor.
authors.affiliation: Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Woodworth
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Lacey
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Amedee
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D002610:Cheek; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D015580:Mohs Surgery; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000379:methods; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy