Merkel cell tumour of the finger

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare primary neuroendocrine tumour. Biologically aggressive, it may be difficult to treat. We report a case of MCC on the dorsal base of the left second finger and we discuss its treatment and prognosis.

Merkel cell carcinoma of the hand: Case report and literature review

“…It has very rarely been described on the fingers or the hand, with only few case reports that we are aware of [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]16]. Because of its rarity and the small numbers of patients in clinical reports, management is not standardized.…”

Evolving Paradigm in Treatment of Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Digit from Ray Resection to Wide Local Excision and Flap Coverage

“…Spalveri et al reported a 2-cm diameter MCC on the dorsum of the proximal phalanx of the index finger treated by wide local excision. The 3.5×3 cm defect was reconstructed with a retrograde kite flap, and the patient remained disease free 20 months postoperatively [15]. Su et al reported a 4-mm lesion on the ring finger, which was excised, and the sentinel Fig.…”

“…Even though the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) database reported 1234 (24 %) Merkel cell carcinomas in the hand and upper extremity from 1986 to 2009 [5], there are only 11 case reports of MCC of the digit found in PubMed, Medline, and MD Consult databases [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. Although over a thousand cases were identified in the SEER database, there was no further subdivision of the upper extremity.…”

A Case of Merkel Cell Carcinoma on the Finger

“…Usual presentation of primary MCC is a solitary violet or blue dome-shaped rapidly growing nodule with non-tender intra-cutaneous swelling. The common locations are head and neck (50%), extremities (40%), and trunk (10%) 4 . Finger involvement has been rarely reported.…”

“…But, the known risk factors for MCC are sun exposure, immunosuppression, and Merkel cell polyomavirus infection 1 . Of all cases of MCC, 85% appear in sun exposed sites, so ultraviolet exposure seems to be a significant etiological factor 4 . The occurrence of MCC at the hands and fingers is likely to occur due to exposure to sunlight.…”