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Merkel cell carcinoma in East Yorkshire: A case series and literature review of current management

Jackson, Philippa C.; Wallis, Katy; Allgar, Victoria; Lind, Michael J.; Stanley, Paul R.W.

Authors

Philippa C. Jackson

Katy Wallis

Victoria Allgar

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Professor Michael Lind M.J.Lind@hull.ac.uk
Foundation Professor of Oncology/ Head of the Joint Centre for Cancer Studies

Paul R.W. Stanley



Abstract

© 2015 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Introduction Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive neuroendocrine tumour of the skin. The incidence is rising and it is associated with sun exposure and immunosuppression. Our aim was to perform a 10-year retrospective review of MCC treated in East Yorkshire and to examine disease progression, surgical and adjuvant management, and outcomes. Methods A 10-year retrospective review was undertaken of patients identified through the histopathology database. Case notes and digital patient records were examined for patient demographics, disease characteristics, management and outcome. Disease stage was calculated using the 2010 AJCC TNM classification. Results Thirty-seven patients with complete records were included. Twenty-one patients were male and 16 female, with mean age 76.7 years at presentation. Pre-malignant or malignant skin changes were documented in 15 patients, and immunosuppression in 15 patients. Mean duration of lesion was 17.5 weeks. Following diagnosis 22/37 patients underwent further surgery with 11 patients undergoing sentinel lymph node (LN) biopsy. LN disease was palpable at presentation in 8 patients. Three year survival is 40%. Conclusions There is no standardised management of MCC and randomised trials are challenging due to relatively small numbers. There has been little progress made in terms of improving survival. Development of a national database for patients with this condition would allow prospective data collection and more accurate assessment of current treatment protocols and their efficacy. Level of Evidence: IV

Citation

Jackson, P. C., Wallis, K., Allgar, V., Lind, M. J., & Stanley, P. R. (2015). Merkel cell carcinoma in East Yorkshire: A case series and literature review of current management. Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS, 68(5), 667-672. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2014.12.021

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Dec 13, 2014
Online Publication Date Jan 5, 2015
Publication Date 2015-05
Deposit Date May 30, 2022
Journal Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
Print ISSN 1748-6815
Electronic ISSN 1878-0539
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 68
Issue 5
Pages 667-672
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2014.12.021
Keywords Merkel cell carcinoma; Skin cancer; Treatment; Yorkshire
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/535994