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Merkel Cell Carcinoma Concurrent with Bowen's Disease
Hyun Chul Park1, Ho Song Kang, Kyoung Tae Park
1Department of Dermatology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri, Korea.
Annals of Dermatology
|February 25, 2012
Summary
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare skin cancer, was diagnosed alongside Bowen disease in a patient. This case highlights MCC
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive skin cancer.
- MCC often affects the elderly and immunocompromised individuals.
- It can coexist with other skin conditions like squamous cell carcinoma and Bowen disease.
Observation:
- A 75-year-old woman presented with a skin lesion on her left mandibular angle.
- The lesion evolved from an erythematous patch to a rapidly growing nodule over several months.
- Initial patch lesion was consistent with Bowen disease, while the nodule showed characteristics of MCC.
Findings:
- Microscopic examination revealed small, hyperchromatic cells with scanty cytoplasm in the nodular lesion.
- Immunohistochemical staining was positive for cytokeratin 20 (perinuclear dot pattern) and negative for thyroid transcription factor-1.
- These findings confirmed a diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma concurrent with Bowen disease.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering MCC in the differential diagnosis of rapidly growing skin lesions.
- Coexistence of MCC with other skin malignancies like Bowen disease can occur.
- Accurate immunohistochemical analysis is crucial for diagnosing MCC, especially in rare presentations.
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