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Merkel cell carcinoma in situ
Tammie Ferringer1, Hudson C Rogers, John S Metcalf
1MUSC Pathology and Lab Medicine, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. tfermd@hotmail.com
Journal of Cutaneous Pathology
|December 21, 2004
Summary
This study reports a rare case of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) in situ, a skin cancer typically found in the dermis. The intraepidermal tumor was found on the hand, associated with other skin neoplasms.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive skin cancer primarily affecting sun-damaged skin in the elderly.
- Epidermal involvement is uncommon, making MCC confined to the epidermis exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A 76-year-old male presented with a hyperkeratotic papule on his hand, a site unusual for MCC.
- Biopsy revealed an intraepidermal proliferation of small blue cells within a solar keratosis and adjacent to squamous cell carcinoma in situ.
Findings:
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of Merkel cell carcinoma in situ (MCCis), with positive staining for Cytokeratin 20 and neuron-specific enolase.
- Crucially, no dermal invasion was detected, and the tumor was completely excised.
Implications:
- This case adds to the limited understanding of MCC in situ, highlighting its potential occurrence on the extremities.
- The association with other squamous neoplasms suggests a possible shared etiology or field defect in sun-damaged skin.