title: Merkel cell carcinoma of the lower extremity: a case report.
abstract: Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, often fatal, neuroendocrine cutaneous malignancy with a highly variable clinical presentation. Due to the rapid progression of the disease, early detection and treatment is vital to survival. Here, we report the case of a 45-year-old woman whose podiatrist noticed an unusual lesion on her lower left leg and referred her to a dermatologist for work-up. A diagnostic excisional biopsy confirmed the diagnosis and was followed by treatment that included wide local excision of the primary lesion with subsequent chemotherapy and radiation. At the time of diagnosis, sentinel lymph node biopsy was positive. Due to the increasing prevalence of Merkel cell carcinoma in the past decade and its propensity to present on the lower extremity, podiatric physicians need to be aware of the clinical presentation and treatment guidelines for this elusive disease.
authors: Dominic J
authors: DJ
authors: Roda
authors: Brian
authors: B
authors: Albano
authors: Bharti
authors: B
authors: Rathore
authors: Linda
authors: L
authors: Zhou
mesh_terms: D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy