Lymph-Nodal Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) in the Absence of Primary Tumor: Regression of the Primary or Lymph-Nodal Primitivity? Report of a Series with Favorable Prognostic Behavior

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Introduction: MCC is a rare cutaneous neuroendocrine neoplasm with aggressive behavior, a high recurrence rate and, generally, poor prognosis.

Aim(s): To report histological and clinical features of a series of 12 patients with nodal MCC in the lack of evidence of a primary.

Materials and methods: The cases were collected from a multicentric database: mean age at diagnosis was 67 yrs; F:M ratio was 1:1.4; mean follow-up was 54 months. Involved nodal sites were: inguinal (9) and axillar (3). All cases had typical MCC immunoprofile: neuroendocrine (CgA, NSE) and epithelial (CK 20 dot-like) marker positivity. Complete and extensive clinical, dermatologic, radiologic and endoscopic work-up was performed. All patients underwent surgery; in one case, chemotherapy, in another case biotherapy and in one further case, radiotherapy was administered.

Conference: 9th Annual ENETSConcerence (2012)

Presenting Author:

Authors: Albertelli M, Faggiano A, Grimaldi F, Ameri P, Palmieri G,

Keywords: merkel, prognosis, diagnosis,