HIV-related Merkel cell carcinoma: A report of three cases from the UK

Int J STD AIDS. 2022 Oct;33(12):1084-1086. doi: 10.1177/09564624221123872. Epub 2022 Sep 13.

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) of the skin is a rare, aggressive and often fatal neuroendocrine skin cancer. The incidence of MCC has significantly increased in the last decades. Factors that have been associated with the development of MCC include infection with Merkel Cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), ultraviolet exposure, hematologic malignancies and immunosuppression.We present three cases of patients living with HIV who were diagnosed with MCC. HIV cases associated with MCC have been rarely reported and to our knowledge, not yet before in the UK.

Keywords: Human immunodeficiency virus; viral disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell* / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell* / pathology
  • HIV Infections* / complications
  • HIV Infections* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Merkel cell polyomavirus*
  • Skin Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms* / pathology
  • United Kingdom