Merkel-cell tumour of the skin

The case histories of four patients with a Merkel-cell tumour of the skin are presented and the findings are compared with other reports in the literature. An association with other skin tumours is noted and ultraviolet light may be implicated in the causation of Merkel-cell tumours. The Merkel-cell tumours in this series occurred initially on the face. The difficulty of diagnosis is stressed. It is recommended that wide excision of the tumour be followed by radiotherapy to the excision site plus a large margin, in an attempt to prevent local recurrences that are brought about by lymphatic permeation.