title: Merkel cell carcinoma in the orbitopalpebral region.
abstract: Trabecular carcinoma is a rare cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma that probably originates from the Merkel cells that are usually found in the basal layer of the epidermis. The treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma is controversial and there is no specific therapeutic protocol because of the small number of cases that have been published. The procedures used to treat Merkel cell carcinoma must be tailored to minimise morbidity while maximising survival. Because the condition is so rare and difficult to diagnose and treat, we report three cases of orbitopalpebral tumours that confirm the local and regional aggressiveness and the high metastatic potential of this tumour.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria Giuseppina
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Onesti
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mazzocchi
authors.forename: Nicolò
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Scuderi
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D005143:Eyelids / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*