Merkel cell carcinoma: an aggressive skin neoplasm

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin neoplasm of neuroendocrine origin. To clarify those factors important in improving survival, we retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients with Merkel cell carcinoma treated at two tertiary referral centers. Eighty percent of the patients with stage I disease were initially treated with local therapy alone, while all of the patients with stage II disease were treated with local and regional therapy. The overall survival rate for all patients was 64%. Regardless of stage, patients treated with local excision alone had a 52% 5-year survival rate, while patients treated with local excision and lymph node dissection had an 87% survival rate. We conclude that the aggressive nature of this tumor warrants radical therapy.