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Journal of Medical Case Reports

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Open Access 01-12-2010 | Case report

Ileocaecal recurrence of Merkel cell carcinoma of the skin: a case report

Authors: Michelle Cheung, Henry Lee, Sanjay Purkayastha, Robert Goldin, Paul Ziprin

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2010

Abstract

Introduction

Merkel cell carcinoma is an uncommon skin malignancy that has a high propensity for metastatic spread. A systematic literature search identified 17 cases describing metastasis to the gastrointestinal tract, with 7 cases involving the small or large bowel. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only case described of Merkel cell carcinoma metastasising to the ileocaecal valve.

Case presentation

We present a 74-year-old Filipino woman diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma of the skin with regional node involvement. Following excision and radiotherapy, the tumour recurred with metastasis to the ileocaecal valve. The patient died 28 months after the initial diagnosis.

Conclusion

The prognosis of metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma is poor. Currently the optimal management for metastatic disease is unclear and lacks a firm evidence base due to the small number of cases reported.

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Title: Ileocaecal recurrence of Merkel cell carcinoma of the skin: a case report
Authors: Michelle Cheung
Henry Lee
Sanjay Purkayastha
Robert Goldin
Paul Ziprin
Publication date: 01-12-2010
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-4-43

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Ileocaecal recurrence of Merkel cell carcinoma of the skin: a case report

Abstract

Introduction

Case presentation

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Case presentation

Conclusion

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