Incidental Merkel cell carcinoma in a cutaneous horn: a case report

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare cutaneous neuroendocrine malignancy, which usually presents as an asymptomatic, rapidly growing, firm nodule on sun-damaged skin. We present a 93-year-old female who presented with a "cutaneous horn" on the face. On excision, histologic examination revealed a combined squamous cell carcinoma in situ with underlying MCC. Merkel cell polyomavirus immunohistochemistry was negative in this lesion. This case report highlights the significant association between MCC and squamous cell carcinoma and the uncommon clinical presentation of this combined tumor in the form of a cutaneous horn.