Merkel Cell Carcinoma - A clinical case report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.34631/sporl.3073Keywords:
Merkel cell carcinoma, Cervical mass, cutaneous lesionAbstract
Aim: To report a case of Merkel cell carcinoma in a patient who presented with a rapidly growing cervical mass.
Background: Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive cutaneous malignant tumor, with a high recurrence rate and propensity for metastasis. Our goal is to alert and raise awareness among otorhinolaryngologists about this entity, especially in the differential diagnosis of neck masses.
Case description: A 77-year-old woman presented to the clinic due to rapidly growing left cervical swelling. Following fine-needle aspiration cytology and incisional biopsy, Merkel cell carcinoma was diagnosed. The patient died 6 months after the initial presentation.
Conclusion: Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare entity with a rapid and aggressive evolution which normally manifests as a cutaneous lesion of the head and neck but should be included in the differential diagnosis of cervical masses.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Leonor Oliveira, Ana Miguel Couto, Rafael Pires, Jorge Oliveira, Carla André, Luís Antunes
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