Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) – neuroendocrine skin cancer

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rarely occurring skin cancer of high malignancy. It develops, most probably, from the neuroendocrine cells (Merkel’s cells). The most frequent location of this cancer is the skin of the head and neck (44–48% of cases), and then in the skin of the upper limbs (about 19% of cases) and then the lower limbs (16–20% of cases). The aetiology of this cancer is unknown, yet some role in its pathogenesis is played by ultraviolet light and immunosuppression. The basis of therapy in cases with locoregional spread is surgical intervention, whilst in more advanced cases, an effective systemic treatment is possible with the use of molecularly targeted therapies. This paper presents the current treatment possibilities in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma.