Trabecular or Merkel-cell carcinoma of the skin

The Merkel-cell tumor (trabecular carcinoma) is an unusual skin appendage malignancy that often recurs locally after initial excision. Occasional regional node metastasis occurs with the larger lesions. This report details our experience with six patients who developed this lesion. Illustrated is a spectrum of malignancy from a locally limited tumor to ones that led to death of the patients. Recognition of this rare tumor is important to ensure proper local treatment with close follow-up observation of the patient.