Merkel cell tumor in a woman with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Leuk Lymphoma. 1996 Feb;20(5-6):509-11. doi: 10.3109/10428199609052438.

Abstract

We describe a 69-year-old woman with basal cell carcinoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia who developed Merkel cell tumor. This latter malignancy first appeared as enlarged lymph nodes in the axilla and elbow regions and responded initially to radiotherapy. Later, the patient developed obstructive jaundice which was due to pancreatic metastases of the Merkel cell tumor, documented by post-mortem examination. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a Merkel cell tumor causing obstructive jaundice, in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Axilla
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell* / complications
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell* / radiotherapy
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell* / secondary
  • Cholestasis, Extrahepatic / etiology
  • Cholestasis, Extrahepatic / surgery
  • Common Bile Duct Diseases / etiology
  • Common Bile Duct Diseases / surgery
  • Elbow
  • Escherichia coli Infections / etiology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell*
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / secondary
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Skin Neoplasms* / complications
  • Skin Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms* / radiotherapy