[Merkel cell carcinoma].
A 67-year old patient developed multiple flesh-colored nodules on the back of his left hand. Histological examination led to the diagnosis of a Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). This highly aggressive primary cutaneous tumor is classified as a neuroendocrine carcinoma. It affects mostly elderly and immunosuppressed patients. Recently, a new polyomavirus (MCPyV) has been detected in about 75-85% of MCC and seems to play an important role in their pathogenesis. This new finding may help to develop new therapeutic options for MCC.
Wosnitza
M
M
Klinik für Allergologie und Dermatologie, Universitätsklinikum RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Deutschland. mwosnitza@ukaachen.de
Bozkurt
A
A
O'Dey
D
D
Pallua
N
N
Megahed
M
M
D000368:Aged; D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006225:Hand / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*