Merkel Cell Carcinoma in the Lower Limb: Case Report and Brief Literature Review
Stephany Gisselle Paz-Pineda- María Alejandra Flores-Reyes
- Kristhel Gaitán-Zambrano
- Juan Carlos Ruiz
- Suyapa Bejarano-Cáceres
- Karen Santos
Published 2026-02-05
Keywords
- Merkel cell carcinoma,
- Merkel cell polyomavirus,
- neuroendocrine cancer
Downloads
How to Cite
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Abstract
Introduction: Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare neuroendocrine cancer that occurs in sun-exposed areas of the skin. It frequently affects people over 50 years of age and presents with firm, asymptomatic, and rapidly growing papules or nodules, which worsens its prognosis. A physical examination, skin biopsy, and sentinel lymph node biopsy are recommended for timely diagnosis. Subsequently, Merkel polyomavirus serology testing is advised. We describe the case of a patient in good general condition with Merkel cell carcinoma whose manifestations are consistent with the clinical characteristics of carcinoma associated with Merkel polyomavirus. The objective of this case report is to describe the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and evolution of Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare neoplasm.
References
- Farias Cabrera K, Oviedo Pecho R, Carbajal Cahávez T, Sanchez Félix G. Carcinoma de células de Merkel: Reporte de un caso y revisión del tema. Dermatología Peruana. 2018 Enero-Marzo; 28(1): p. 36-40.
- Arana OS. Carcinoma cutáneo de células de Merkel: Presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura. Dermatología Peruana. 2008; 18(2): p. 122-126.
- Soledad Rama A, Neglia V, Abeldaño A. Carcinoma de células de Merkel. Dermatología Argentina. 2020 Octubre-Diciembre; 26(4): p. 140-152.
- Perez JA, Torres M, Montoya L. Carcinoma de células de Merkel. Cuaderno Cirugía. 2008 Mayo; 22(1): p. 64-72.
- Oram C, Bartus C, Purcell S. Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Review. Cutis. 2016 Abril; 97: p. 290-295.
- Vishwajith S, Muralidhar V, Tishler R, DeCaprio J, Thakoria M, Rabinowits G, et al. Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Population Analysis on Survival. Official Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. 2016 Octubre; 14(10): p. 1247-1257.
- Sadeghi F, Ghanadan A, Vaziri M, Salim F, Monavari S, Keyvani H. Merkel cell polyomavirus infection in a patient with merkel cell carcinoma: a case report. Jundishapur Journal of Microbiology. 2015 Enero; 8(3): p. 17849.
- Coggshall K, Tello T, North J, Yu S. Merkel cell carcinoma: An update and review. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2018 Marzo; 78(3): p. 433-442.
- Rastellini S. Carcinoma de células de Merkel. Presentación de un caso con localización y tamaño atípicos. Revista Argentina Dermatología. 2015 Septiembre; 96(3).
- Vila Blanco JM, Nabhan S. Carcinoma de células de Merkel. Estudio de 3 casos. Revista Chilena de Cirugía. 2016 Mayo; 68(6).
- Acab JC, Kvatum W, Ebo C. A 76 year old male with an unusual presentation of Merkel cell carcinoma. International Journal of Surgery Case Reports. 2016 Mayo 3; 23: p. 177-181.
- Engh A, Hoffmann KG, Farma JM, Fisher K. Merkel Cell Carcinoma. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology. 2016 Octubre 3.
- Krump NA, You J. From Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection to Merkel Cell Carcinoma Oncogenesis. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2021 Septiembre 8; 12.
- Paulson K, Lewis C, Redman M, Simonson W, Lisberg A, Ritter D, et al. Viral oncoprotein antibodies as a marker for recurrence of Merkel cell carcinoma: A prospective validation study. Cancer. 2017 Abril 15; 123(8).
- Velásquez T, Redondo P, Rodríguez-Garijo N. FR - Anticuerpos contra la oncoproteína del poliomavirus en el carcinoma de células de Merkel: marcador pronóstico y evolutivo. ACTAS Dermo-Sifiliográficas. 2021; 112.
- Sihto H, Kukko H, Koljonen V, Sankila R, Böhling T, Joensuu H. Clinical Factors