Rapidly growing gastric metastasis of Merkel cell carcinoma, an unusual cause of melena

Acta Clin Belg. 2016 Aug;71(4):263-6. doi: 10.1080/17843286.2015.1105612. Epub 2016 Feb 3.

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon, highly aggressive neuroendocrine skin carcinoma that has a tendency for local recurrence and metastatic disease. We report a rare case of recurrent melena in a 77-year-old Caucasian male. Three years earlier, the patient had undergone a radical resection of a para-umbilical MCC. A repeat esophagogastroduodenoscopy proved necessary to identify rapidly proliferating gastric metastasis of MCC as the cause of bleeding.

Keywords: Gastrointestinal haemorrhage; Gastroscopy; Melena; Merkel cell carcinoma; Metastasis; Stomach.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melena / etiology*
  • Skin Neoplasms*