Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a very rare high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma that is frequently located in the skin. Although most cases are associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus, there are also cases in which the virus cannot be detected. The purpose of presenting the case of MCC with primary nodal involvement is due to its rare presentation. 
 A 59-year-old male patient presented to the hospital with painless mass in the neck. Imaging analyses revealed necrotic lymphadenopathies on the neck, measuring up to 4.5 cm in size. After an explorative surgery with preliminary diagnoses of lymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma , samples taken from the excised mass showed high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma morphology. In addition to neuroendocrine markers, CK7 and CK20 positivity were observed in the immunohistochemical tests performed. As a result, the case was evaluated in favor of MCC with negativity of markers performed to exclude other malignancies. Subsequently, a diagnosis of primary nodal MCC was made due to the absence of a different focus other than lymph node on PET imaging analysis.
 The differential diagnosis should be kept broad due to the histopathological morphology of small round cell malignant tumors. In addition in high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas, the possibility of MCC should be ruled out especially if CK20 positivity is present. Although is has been reported that primary nodal MCC cases have a better clinical course compared to nodal metastatic cases with a known primary, there are limited case series studies on this topic. A multisystem approach is recommended for proper clinical management.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.