title: Merkel cell carcinoma: a review.
abstract: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor of unknown origin that usually presents in the elderly population. A novel polyomavirus has been associated with a large percentage of tumors. Immune response plays an important role in pathogenesis of MCC. This article reviews the history, pathogenesis, presentation, and treatment of MCC. Future treatments also are discussed briefly.
authors.affiliation: Lehigh Valley Health Network/Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Dermatology Program, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Christian W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Oram
authors.affiliation: Lehigh Valley Health Network/Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Dermatology Program, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Cynthia L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Bartus
authors.affiliation: Lehigh Valley Health Network/Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Dermatology Program, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Stephen M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Purcell
mesh_terms: D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy