Eyelid merkel cell carcinoma: report of three cases.
OBJECTIVE
To present three cases of Merkel cell carcinoma, a primary cutaneous neuroendocrine tumor that arises from Merkel cells, and to describe their clinical features, diagnosis, and management.


METHODS
Case series.


RESULTS
In only one case, the disease was clinically recognized. In the others, the diagnosis was confirmed by histology, and chalazion was initially suspected in one of them. Surgery was performed in all patients, and there was no evidence of metastatic disease.


CONCLUSIONS
The rarity of eyelid Merkel cell carcinoma and the fact that it can simulate benign entities frequently lead to difficulties in diagnosis and a delay in the establishment of suitable therapy.
Nicoletti
André G B
AG
Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil. andregbn@hotmail.com
Matayoshi
Suzana
S
Santo
Ruth M
RM
Ferreira
Veralucia R
VR
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology*; D005142:Eyelid Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008875:Middle Aged; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000032:analysis
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins