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Merkel cells in extraocular sebaceous carcinoma
Angel Fernandez-Flores1,2,3, David S Cassarino4
1Cellular Pathology, Hospital El Bierzo, Ponferrada, Spain.
Journal of Cutaneous Pathology
|October 27, 2018
Summary
Merkel cells are rarely found in extraocular sebaceous carcinoma, appearing in only 5.3% of cases. Their presence does not rule out this diagnosis, offering crucial insights for dermatologists and pathologists.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Oncology
- Histology
Background:
- Mature sebaceous glands and most sebaceous tumors typically lack Merkel cells.
- Rare sebaceous adenomas with specific patterns can exhibit intratumoral Merkel cells.
- The presence of Merkel cells in sebaceous neoplasms is an area requiring further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence of Merkel cells within extraocular sebaceous carcinomas.
- To determine the diagnostic significance of Merkel cells in these rare tumors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 19 cases of extraocular sebaceous carcinoma.
- Immunohistochemical staining using cytokeratin 20 was performed.
Main Results:
- Merkel cells were identified in one out of 19 (5.3%) cases of extraocular sebaceous carcinoma.
- The positive case involved a sebaceous carcinoma on the cheek of a 76-year-old female patient.
- Merkel cells were located in the basal layers of the tumoral nests.
Conclusions:
- Merkel cells are infrequently observed in extraocular sebaceous carcinoma.
- The detection of Merkel cells should not preclude a diagnosis of sebaceous carcinoma.
- This finding contributes to the understanding of the cellular composition of rare sebaceous malignancies.
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