title: An unusual case of diffuse Merkel cell carcinoma successfully treated with low dose radiotherapy.
abstract: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and highly aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. MCC should be included in the diagnosis of a rapidly growing infiltrating mass and histology as well as laboratory investigations such as Merkel cell polyoma virus (MCPyV) detection are valuable in its diagnosis. We present an unusual case of giant MCC-positive MCPyV in a Greek woman located on the lower leg. Our patient is very unusual in terms of her extensive MCC and her rapid and complete response to radiotherapy.
authors.affiliation: 2nd Department of Dermatology, Attikon General University Hospital, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Foteini
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Chatzinasiou
authors.affiliation: 2nd Department of Dermatology, Attikon General University Hospital, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Euaggelia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Papadavid
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Penelope
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Korkolopoulou
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Georgia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Levidou
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Attikon General University Hospital, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Panayiotides
authors.affiliation: 2nd Department of Dermatology, Attikon General University Hospital, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Konstadinos
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Theodoropoulos
authors.affiliation: Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Vasiliki
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Pogka
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiotherapy, Attikon General University Hospital, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Charalampos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Asimakopoulos
authors.affiliation: 2nd Department of Dermatology, Attikon General University Hospital, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Dimitrios
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rigopoulos
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D059965:Merkel cell polyomavirus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Merkel cell polyoma virus; giant Merkel cell carcinoma; immunohistochemistry; radiotherapy