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Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Author(s) -
Mendenhall William M.,
Mendenhall Charles M.,
Mendenhall Nancy Price
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/00005537-200405000-00023
Subject(s) - merkel cell carcinoma , radiation therapy , medicine , lymphatic system , merkel cell , presentation (obstetrics) , natural history , primary tumor , chemotherapy , distant metastasis , adjuvant radiotherapy , carcinoma , surgery , oncology , metastasis , cancer , pathology
Purpose: To determine the natural history and treatment outcomes for patients with Merkel cell carcinoma. Methods: Review of the literature. Results: The probability of regional node involvement at presentation exceeds 50%; few patients present with distant metastases. Comprehensive treatment of the primary site and regional lymphatics with surgery or radiotherapy results in the highest likelihood of cure. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy remains investigational. Conclusion: The probability of regional dissemination at diagnosis is high. The optimal treatment is resection of the primary tumor and treatment of the regional lymphatics. Resection of all gross tumor should be accomplished followed by local–regional radiotherapy in most patients.