Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine – Chapter 120: Merkel Cell Carcinoma

April 1, 2007

Journal

McGraw-Hill

Publication Date

April 1, 2007

Authors

Nghiem P, Jaimes N, In Wolff K (eds), Katz S (eds), Goldsmith L (eds), Gilchrest B (eds), Leffell D (eds), Paller A (eds)

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Merkelcell.org Summary

Drs. Jaimes and Nghiem publish a new chapter on Merkel cell carcinoma in the 7th edition of Fitpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine textbook.

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. Although it is 40 times less common than malignant melanoma, it has a higher mortality (33 percent) than melanoma (15 percent). From 1986 to 2001 there was a rapidly increasing incidence in reported cases of MCC, with a tripling in the rate over this 15-year period. Management of MCC is challenging and optimal therapy is controversial, at least in part due to a lack of quality data on which to base treatment decisions.

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