[Merkel cell carcinoma: an endocrine differentiated tumor in the head-neck area]

Merkel's cell carcinomas are rare tumours of the skin, frequently on the head and neck. Electron microscopical and immunohistological techniques are employed for differentiation from other skin malignancies. With two cases the clinical picture, the typical histology and the therapy are elucidated. To detect pathognomic antigen expression, antibodies against Neuron-specific-enolase (NSE) as a marker for endocrine activity and cytokeratin to prove the epithelial character of cells were used (Abb. 4 a,b). The best treatment of Merkel's cell carcinoma is surgical resection, including the regional lymph nodes. Consecutive radiotherapy is strongly recommended.