Background and objective: We aimed to assess the population-based incidence and survival of primary Merkel cell carcinoma.
Material and method: From January 1995 to December 2005, 19 patients diagnosed with primary Merkel cell carcinoma were recruited in the population-based Cancer Registry of Girona.
Results: The age-adjusted incidence was 1,3 per 10(6) person-year; higher in males (1,5) than in females (1,1). Cases occurred mostly in people older than 65 years (94,7%), especially involving the head (79%).
Conclusions: To our knowledge, this study is the first to define the incidence and survival of Merkel cell carcinoma in Europe. The age-adjusted incidence of primary Merkel cell carcinoma in our area is similar than the age-adjusted incidence of the 2000 US standard population.