title: Merkel Cell Carcinoma: An Update of Key Imaging Techniques, Prognostic Factors, Treatment, and Follow-up.
abstract: Merkel cell carcinoma, though rare, is one of the most aggressive tumors a dermatologist faces. More than a third of patients with this diagnosis die from the disease. Numerous researchers have attempted to identify clinical and pathologic predictors to guide prognosis, but their studies have produced inconsistent results. Because the incidence of Merkel cell carcinoma is low and it appears in patients of advanced age, prospective studies have not been done and no clear treatment algorithm has been developed. This review aims to provide an exhaustive, up-to-date account of Merkel cell carcinoma for the dermatologist. We describe prognostic factors and the imaging techniques that are most appropriate for evaluating disease spread. We also discuss current debates on treating Merkel cell carcinoma.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Dermatología, Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, España. Electronic address: beatriz.llombart@uv.es.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Llombart
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Dermatología, Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, España.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kindem
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Radioterapia, Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, España.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chust
mesh_terms: D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007167:Immunotherapy; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D000072078:Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; D011379:Prognosis; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012307:Risk Factors; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents
keywords: Carcinoma de células de Merkel; Chemotherapy; Factores pronóstico; Follow-up; Ganglio centinela; Merkel cell carcinoma; Prognosis; Quimioterapia; Radioterapia; Radiotherapy; Seguimiento; Sentinel lymph node; Surgery; Tratamiento quirúrgico