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Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Detection
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Pleural Metastasis of Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Sina Maghsoudlou1, Marc Pusztaszeri1, Mauro Saieg1
1Department of Pathology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Diagnostic Cytopathology
|March 29, 2025
Summary
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare skin cancer, can metastasize to the pleura. Immunohistochemistry confirmed MCC in pleural fluid, highlighting CK20 and SATB2 as key diagnostic markers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer.
- Diagnosis can be challenging due to morphological similarities with other cancers.
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is crucial, typically showing Cytokeratin 20 (CK20) positivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of Merkel cell carcinoma with pleural metastasis.
- To highlight the diagnostic utility of IHC markers in metastatic MCC.
- To emphasize the role of SATB2 as a distinguishing marker.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 68-year-old male with MCC.
- Analysis of pleural fluid cytology and immunohistochemistry.
- Evaluation of markers including CK20, chromogranin, synaptophysin, MCC polyomavirus, and SATB2.
Main Results:
- The patient developed pleural metastasis 10 months after initial MCC diagnosis.
- IHC of pleural fluid confirmed MCC.
- Positive staining for CK20, chromogranin, synaptophysin, MCC polyomavirus, and SATB2 was observed.
Conclusions:
- Pleural metastasis can occur in Merkel cell carcinoma.
- Immunohistochemistry is essential for diagnosing metastatic MCC.
- SATB2 is a valuable marker for differentiating MCC from other neuroendocrine tumors.
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