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Published on: January 5, 2017
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Head and Neck Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A 12-Year Single Institutional Experience
C M Hurley1,2, D ALNafisee1,2, D Jones1,2
1Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland.
JPRAS Open
|September 1, 2022
Summary
This study reviewed head and neck Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) management. Early surgical intervention for stage I MCC offers moderate long-term survival, with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) aiding staging.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine malignancy.
- Head and neck MCC cases are rarely reported, limiting evidence.
- This study focuses on head and neck MCC diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diagnosis and management of head and neck MCC.
- To analyze treatment outcomes in a single institution.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 11 head and neck MCC patients.
- Analysis of demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment.
- Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and correlation between surgical margins and disease-free follow-up.
Main Results:
- 11 patients with head and neck MCC (mean age 79.6 years) were analyzed.
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) was performed in 18% of patients.
- Median disease-specific survival was 15 months (SLNB) vs. 17 months (non-SLNB), not significant.
Conclusions:
- Surgery is the primary treatment for localized head and neck MCC.
- SLNB plays an increasing role in prognostication and staging.
- Early management of stage I MCC yields moderate long-term disease-free survival.
