Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026
08:49
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Merkel cell carcinoma: histologic features and prognosis
Aleodor A Andea1, Daniel G Coit, Bijal Amin
1Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan- Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA. aandea@uab.edu
Cancer
|September 18, 2008
Summary
Histologic features like tumor thickness, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and growth pattern significantly impact survival in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Understanding these factors aids in predicting patient outcomes for this rare skin cancer.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Prognostic value of histologic features in primary cutaneous neuroendocrine (Merkel cell) carcinomas (MCC) is not well-established.
- Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but aggressive skin cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prognostic significance of various histologic features in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).
- To identify histologic markers that can predict patient survival in MCC.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 156 patients diagnosed with MCC.
- Evaluation of histologic features including tumor thickness, size, growth pattern, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and others.
- Correlation of histologic findings with clinical outcomes and survival data.
Main Results:
- Overall 5-year survival rate was 67.5%.
- Univariate analysis showed significant associations between survival and tumor thickness, size, depth, growth pattern, LVI, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and solar elastosis.
- Multivariate analysis identified nodular growth pattern, low tumor depth, and absence of LVI as indicators of longer survival.
Conclusions:
- Tumor thickness (depth), presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and tumor growth pattern are significant histologic prognostic factors in MCC.
- These histologic features, alongside tumor stage, aid in predicting patient outcomes.
- Further research into histologic markers can improve prognostic accuracy for Merkel cell carcinoma.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
02:38Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
Mitogens and their receptors play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle. However, the loss of mitogenic control over cell division leads to tumor formation. Therefore, mitogens and mitogen receptors play an important role in cancer research. For instance, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) - a type of mitogen and its transmembrane receptor (EGFR), decides the fate of the cell's proliferation. When EGF binds to EGFR, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase...