[Merkel cell carcinoma: descriptive study of 24 cases (1993-2001)].
BACKGROUND
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare skin tumor with a highly malignant nature whose appropriate treatment is still debated. Wide surgery is the treatment of choice, but the question concerning protocols for adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy remains open.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis of 24 cases of MCC collected over a period of 9 years was performed, focusing on clinical and histologic features, and response to treatment.


RESULTS
There were 17 women and 7 men with a mean age of 74.3 years. The median follow up was 34 months. The annual incidence per 100,000 habitants was 0.378. The head and neck localization was predominant (54%). Fifteen (68%) of patients presented with local disease (stage I), and 32% of patients presented with regional node (stage II) or distant metastases (stage III). Patients with stage I had a 5-years overall survival rate of 73,85%. Among them, five patients (33%) developed a local or nodal recurrence, although two patients were initially treated with surgery and local post-operative radiotherapy. Patients with stage II and III demonstrated a 5-year overall survival rate of 51,43%.


CONCLUSIONS
Our series illustrates the clinical characteristics of this tumor of the elderly, which is mainly located on head and neck and associated with a poor prognosis. Treatments are discussed.
Benessahraoui
M
M
Service de dermatologie, centre hospitalier universitaire, 2, place Saint-Jacques, 25030 Besançon cedex, France.
Dalstein
V
V
Lorchel
F
F
Algros
M-P
MP
Puzenat
E
E
Louvat
P
P
Hassam
B
B
Humbert
P-H
PH
Aubin
F
F
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D011379:Prognosis; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D016019:Survival Analysis
Carcinome à cellules de Merkel: étude descriptive de 24 cas (1993-2001).