MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is the primary neuroendocrine tumor of the skin. Primary tumors appear most frequently on the head and neck region. It is more frequent in the elderly. Four patients with MCC treated with postoperative radiotherapy for regionally recurrent tumors are reported. Interestingly, presence of synchronous non-Hodgkin lymphoma in one and spontaneous lymph node regression in another patient were noted. In view of frequent loco-regional and distant relapse, the role of radiotherapy and chemotherapy is discussed in the primary treatment of MCC.