Merkel cell carcinoma in a black human immunodeficiency virus-infected patient.
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare malignant tumour that develops in sun-exposed areas in immunocompromised patients (chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, transplant recipients) older than 50 years. We report MCC in a young black woman with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. A 2-cm binodular violaceous lesion developed on her left ear lobe. Extensive work-up, including computed tomographic scans of the neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis, octreotide scan and sentinel node biopsy, did not demonstrate any metastasis. A wide excision was performed and the patient remained free of disease after 9 months. This case is the fourth observation of MCC in an HIV-infected patient.
Matichard
E
E
Department of Dermatology, Bichat Claude Bernard Hospital, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, 46 rue Henri Huchard, 75018 Paris, France.
Descamps
Vincent
V
Grossin
M
M
Genin
R
R
Bouvet
E
E
Crickx
B
B
D000328:Adult; D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000150:complications*; D004428:Ear Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D004431:Ear, External; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*