Merkel cell tumour of the external ear. Report of a case

Auris Nasus Larynx. 2007 Jun;34(2):229-32. doi: 10.1016/j.anl.2006.07.011. Epub 2006 Oct 24.

Abstract

Merkel cells carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon skin lesion, considered a malignancy of the neuroendocrine system, which is found mainly in elderly people. Its incidence is highly correlated with sun exposure or immunodeficiency syndromes. MCC is often an aggressive tumour with high tendency for local recurrence, lymph node involvement and distant metastasis. To our best knowledge 20 cases originated from the auricle have been described, 2 of them arising from external ear canal. The authors report a case of the ear canal characterized by two others synchronous tumours and the occurrence of a malignant high grade lymphoma, in which contribute of the pathologist was essential for a critical review. MCC diagnosis is not always easy for its pathological and clinical features and it should always be considered in presence of lymphoma. A multidisciplinary approach is basic.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / pathology
  • Ear Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Ear Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Ear Neoplasms / pathology
  • Ear, External* / pathology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / therapy
  • Humans
  • Keratins / analysis
  • Lymphoma, Follicular / diagnosis
  • Lymphoma, Follicular / therapy
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / pathology
  • Parotid Gland / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms / therapy

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Keratins