[Merkel cell cancer of the skin: population-based incidence and survival, 1995-2005].
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to assess the population-based incidence and survival of primary Merkel cell carcinoma.


METHODS
From January 1995 to December 2005, 19 patients diagnosed with primary Merkel cell carcinoma were recruited in the population-based Cancer Registry of Girona.


RESULTS
The age-adjusted incidence was 1,3 per 10(6) person-year; higher in males (1,5) than in females (1,1). Cases occurred mostly in people older than 65 years (94,7%), especially involving the head (79%).


CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, this study is the first to define the incidence and survival of Merkel cell carcinoma in Europe. The age-adjusted incidence of primary Merkel cell carcinoma in our area is similar than the age-adjusted incidence of the 2000 US standard population.
Servei de Dermatologia, Hospital Sant Jaume, Olot, Girona, España; Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, España.
Neus
N
Vilar-Coromina
Ferran
F
Pérez Bueno
María
M
Alsina Maqueda
Loreto
L
Vilardell Gil
Angel
A
Izquierdo Font
Rafael
R
Marcos-Gragera
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015996:Survival Rate; D013997:Time Factors