Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and typically aggressive form of skin cancer. The benign appearance of the tumor usually on exposed skin parts, contrasting with its extensive microscopic invasion, can delay timely diagnosis.
Main observations: We report a case of a 71-year-old man with a slowly progressive nodule on the left hand.
Conclusion: At the dermoscopic examination, the presence of a polymorphous vascular pattern, including milky-red areas may constitute an additional clinical clue to accurately diagnose this rare tumor. Clinical, dermoscopic and histological features are discussed.
Keywords: Merkel cell carcinoma; dermoscopy; neuroendocrine carcinoma; skin cancer.