Merkel cell carcinoma
From Ganfyd
Web Resources for Merkel cell carcinoma
ICD 10 code: C44 (M8247/3)
Relevant Clinical Literature
UK Guidance
Other Wikis
Medpedia on Merkel cell carcinoma (Less technical, good quality control)
Wikipedia on Merkel cell carcinoma (Less technical, ? quality control)
ΕΤΥΜΟΛΟΓΙΑ
Friedrich Sigmund Merkel described the cells in 1875.Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare epidermal neoplasm with neuroendocrine differentiation, possibly of a cell type found in the hair follicle thought to contribute to skin endocrine and mechanoreceptor function. First described by Cyril Toker in 1972 who described it as a trabecular carcinoma (hence sometimes known as Toker tumour, but not to be confused with Toker cells).[1]
There is an association with a recently discovered polyomavirus, named Merkel cell (polyoma) virus, which integrates into the host cell DNA.[2] This is consistent with the observation that the tumour is more common in immunosuppressed individuals.
On immunohistology, they can be reactive to:[3]
References
- ↑ Toker C. Trabecular carcinoma of the skin. Archives of dermatology. 1972 Jan; 105(1):107-10.
- ↑ Feng H, Shuda M, Chang Y, Moore PS. Clonal integration of a polyomavirus in human Merkel cell carcinoma. Science (New York, N.Y.). 2008 Feb 22; 319(5866):1096-100.(Link to article – subscription may be required.)
- ↑ Requena L, Jaqueti G, Rütten A, Mentzel T, Kutzner H. Merkel cell carcinoma within follicular cysts: report of two cases. Journal of cutaneous pathology. 2008 Dec; 35(12):1127-33.
