Analysis of Merkel cell carcinoma of the eyelid: a population‐based study 1998–2016

Abstract

AbstractPurposeMerkel cell carcinoma of the eyelid (MCCE) is a rare malignancy. We sought to analyze its epidemiologic and survival trends using a population‐based study.MethodsThe Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results US database was used to extract MCCE patient data from 1998 to 2016. Incidence was estimated in number of cases/million/year. Disease‐specific survival (DSS) was conducted using the Kaplan‐Meier method. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios (HR).ResultsOne hundred eighty‐two cases of MCCE were identified. Forty‐five percent were males and the mean age at diagnosis was 78 years. Racial composition was: non‐Hispanic White, 79.1%; Hispanic, 9.9%; Black, 2.7%; Other, 8.3%. The overall incidence in the time period studied was 0.12. Incidence was not significantly different at the two tail ends of the study—1998–2002 (0.15) and 2012–2016 (0.13) (p = 0.39). Gender did not impact incidence (male: 0.10; female: 0.13; p = 0.20). Incidence significantly differed based on race: Non‐Hispanic White, 0.13; Black, 0.05; Hispanic, 0.18 (p = 0.02). Merkel cell carcinoma of the eyelid (MCCE) incidence statistically differed by age group: 0.02 (45–59 years old), 0.40 (60–74), 0.75 (75–84), 2.60 (85–100) (p < 0.001). Incidence was stable comparing 1998–2002 and 2012–2016 in all age and racial subgroups. Five‐year DSS was similar between 1998–2003 (85.3%) and 2006–2011 (83.3%; p = 0.48). Female gender (HR: 0.8; p = 0.022) and married status (HR: 0.58; p = 0.012) were shown to be favorable prognostic factors.ConclusionsOverall, MCCE incidence has not changed over the study's time period. Males and females are equally affected, but incidence increases significantly with age. Merkel cell carcinoma of the eyelid (MCCE) incidence is lowest in the black population. Between 1998–2002 and 2012–2016, the incidence of MCCE has been stable among all racial and age groups. Five‐year DSS has not changed during the study's timeframe. Female gender and married status portend favorable prognosis.BibliographySurveillance Research Program, National Cancer Institute SEER*Stat software (www.seer.cancer.gov/seerstat) version 8.3.6.1