Merkel cell carcinoma in the setting of HIV infection

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001 Aug;45(2):309-12. doi: 10.1067/mjd.2001.114732.

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma has been found to have an increased incidence among immunosuppressed patients, specifically organ transplant recipients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. HIV similarly depresses the immune response of infected persons. We report a case of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) in an HIV-infected patient who died from liver metastases 2 years after his tumor was diagnosed. The purpose of this report is to describe the possible relationship between HIV and MCC and to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and aggressive management of MCC.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / complications*
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / secondary
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / surgery
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • HIV Infections / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mohs Surgery
  • Nose Neoplasms / complications
  • Nose Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Nose Neoplasms / surgery
  • Skin Neoplasms / complications*
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery