Merkel cell carcinoma metastatic to the head of the pancreas.
BACKGROUND
Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive cutaneous tumor without clearly defined treatment and high propensity for metastasis.


METHODS
This case describes a sixty four year old presenting with obstructive jaundice approximately two years after having a Merkel cell carcinoma resected from his finger. He underwent a successful pancreaticoduodenectomy with pathology confirming metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma. This report reviews the history, presentation, and current treatment recommendations for Merkel cell carcinoma.


CONCLUSIONS
We propose that resection of metastases from Merkel cell carcinoma may confer a survival advantage and should be strongly considered, particularly if isolated.
Department of Surgery, Wright State University School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio, USA. jrouellette@earthlink.net
James R
JR
Ouellette
Lakeisha
L
Woodyard
Laszlo
L
Toth
Paula M
PM
Termuhlen
D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed