TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Chapter 120. Merkel Cell Carcinoma A1 - Tegeder, Andrew A1 - Afanasiev, Olga A1 - Nghiem, Paul A2 - Goldsmith, Lowell A. A2 - Katz, Stephen I. A2 - Gilchrest, Barbara A. A2 - Paller, Amy S. A2 - Leffell, David J. A2 - Wolff, Klaus PY - 2012 T2 - Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, 8e AB - |PrintMerkel Cell Carcinoma at a GlanceLower relative survival (54%) than melanoma (91%) at 5 years.Reported incidence quadrupled from 1986 to 2006.Affects elderly/whites/immunosuppressed and is associated with a newly discovered virus: Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV).Consider in differential diagnosis of any rapidly growing, nontender nodule on a sun-exposed area.Sentinel lymph node biopsy, surgery, and radiation are indicated in many cases.Imaging (computed tomography/magnetic resonance/positron emission tomography): poor sensitivity and specificity at time of diagnosis and in early stages.Management is challenging as therapy is unique and controversial.Avoid overaggressive surgery: adjuvant radiation therapy highly effective.Adjuvant chemotherapy: high morbidity, no proven benefit.Optimal care: multidisciplinary coordination between dermatologists, surgeons, radiation, and medical oncologists referring to National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines. SN - PB - The McGraw-Hill Companies CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/03/28 UR - accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=56061397 ER -