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Merkel Cell Carcinoma

definition

A carcinoma arising from MERKEL CELLS located in the basal layer of the epidermis and occurring most commonly as a primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. Merkel cells are tactile cells of neuroectodermal origin and histologically show neurosecretory granules. The skin of the head and neck are a common site of Merkel cell carcinoma, occurring generally in elderly patients. (Holland et al., Cancer Medicine, 3d ed, p1245)

synonyms

Merkel Cell Carcinoma, Trabecular Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Skin, Cutaneuous Apudoma

UMLS

[M] Merkel cell carcinoma, adult neuroblastoma of the skin, Carcinoma, Merkel Cell, cutaneous APUDoma, cutaneous neuroendocrine tumor, endocrine carcinoma of the skin, Merkel Cell Carcinoma, Merkel Cell Tumor, Merkel cell tumour, neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin, primary small cell carcinoma of the skin, small cell neuroepithelial tumor of the skin, trabecular carcinoma of the skin, Trabecular cell carcinoma of skin, Tumor, Merkel Cell