title: Clinical, dermoscopic and histological features of a Merkel cell carcinoma of the hand.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and typically aggressive form of skin cancer. The benign appearance of the tumor usually on exposed skin parts, contrasting with its extensive microscopic invasion, can delay timely diagnosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report a case of a 71-year-old man with a slowly progressive nodule on the left hand.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  At the dermoscopic examination, the presence of a polymorphous vascular pattern, including milky-red areas may constitute an additional clinical clue to accurately diagnose this rare tumor. Clinical, dermoscopic and histological features are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Massimiliano
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Scalvenzi
authors.forename: Franco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Palmisano
authors.forename: Gennaro
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ilardi
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Varricchio
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Costa
keywords: Merkel cell carcinoma; dermoscopy; neuroendocrine carcinoma; skin cancer