Bilateral primary Merkel cell carcinoma of the upper lid misdiagnosed as Basal cell carcinoma.
Merkel cell tumour is a rare primary malignant tumour of the skin that can affect the lids and periocular region. It has a high rate of recurrence and metastasis following surgical excision and an overall mortality rate of 20-33%. Clinically, it is difficult to distinguish from other malignancies and the diagnosis requires careful histological analysis and immunocytochemical staining. A case of Merkel cell tumour affecting the lids and originally misdiagnosed is presented. Correct diagnosis was made only after the appearance of a second Merkel cell tumour on the contralateral lid. The pathogenesis, clinical progression, histology and management of this difficult condition are reviewed.
Thakur
S
S
Sellyoak Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
Chalioulias
K
K
Hayes
M
M
While
A
A
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005142:Eyelid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans