Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin with features of epithelial differentiation. It occurs in older patients, appears on sun exposed areas and its incidence is increasing. The surgical excision with negative margins is the first treatment and adjuvant local irradiation now is well established but regional adjuvant (lymph nodes dissection or radiation therapy) remains discussed. MCC is chemosensitive but rarely chemocurable in patients with metastasis or locally advanced tumors. The most used therapy is platinum-based polychemotherapy.
MeSH terms
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Algorithms
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Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
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Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / diagnosis
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Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / drug therapy
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Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / epidemiology
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Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / radiotherapy*
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Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / surgery
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Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
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Decision Trees
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Humans
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Immunohistochemistry
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Incidence
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Lymph Node Excision
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Lymphatic Irradiation
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Neoplasm Staging
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Patient Selection
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Prognosis
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Radiotherapy, Adjuvant / adverse effects
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Radiotherapy, Adjuvant / methods
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Rare Diseases
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Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis
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Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy
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Skin Neoplasms / epidemiology
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Skin Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
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Skin Neoplasms / surgery
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Treatment Outcome