Spontaneous Regression Of Primitive Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Cirillo F. (2015). spontaneous Regression of Primitive Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Rare tumors, 7(4), 5961. https://doi.org/10.4081/right.2015.5961
View Original Source →Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive skin tumor that mainly occurs in the elderly with a generally poor prognosis. Like all skin cancers, its incidence is rising. Despite the poor prognosis, a few reports of spontaneous regression have been published. We describe the case of a 89-year-old male patient who presented two MCC lesions of the scalp. Following biopsy the lesions underwent complete regression with no clinical evidence of residual tumor up to 24 months. The current knowledge of MCC and the other cases of spontaneous regression described in the literature are reviewed.
Case Details
Disease Location
Scalp, left temporal area and verightix
Personal Characteristics
89 -year-old male, treated with antiaggregating, diuretics and anti-hypertensive
Clinical Characteristics
The patient observed the growth of two distinct lesions of the scalp, on the left temporal site and on the vertex, each of them with a size greater than 4 cm. Two months later the patient undergoes to biopsy of both lesions, and histology shows a merkel cell carcinoma in both lesions
Remission Characteristics
Regression after biopsy, complete remission at 24 months
Treatment & Mechanisms
Proposed Remission Mechanisms
Immunologic reaction to biopsy
Clinical Treatment
Biopsy with regression oif primary lesions. Radiotherapy was given despite regression. 40cgy scalp and neck nodes