Wide Excision and Sentinel Node Mapping for Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

In 1875, Friedrich Merkel described the cells that bear his name, found within the epidermis and along sweat ducts and hair follicles. These cells are involved in touch reception [1] and are of neuroendocrine lineage, but their origin continues to be an issue of some controversy [2]. Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) are tumors that arise from these cells in the dermis; they are usually asymptomatic but may grow significantly over a short period of time. The lesions are red to purple and may appear cystic. They tend to arise in areas of ultraviolet exposure and are often seen in immunocompromised individuals. Most are associated with polyoma virus infection, but the role of polyoma virus in the pathogenesis of MCC is controversial, as antibodies to the virus are seen in up to 50% of the general population. MCC is extremely uncommon in African Americans.