Metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma in intraparotid lymph node with occult primary: case report

• DOI: DOI https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1594142426013

• Palavras-chave: Merkel Carcinoma, Occult Primary Neoplasm, Skin Neoplasm, Merkel Cell, skin cancer.

• Keywords: Merkel Carcinoma, Occult Primary Neoplasm, Skin Neoplasm, Merkel Cell, skin cancer.

• Abstract:

  Representing 1% of skin malignancies, Merkel carcinoma is a rare neuroendocrine skin cancer with significant metastatic potential. Its incidence is higher in elderly males, Caucasians and immunosuppressed people, with risk factors being infection by Merkel cell polyomavirus and exposure to the sun. We report a case of an elderly patient with intraparotid lymph node metastasis with an occult primary, which according to the literature, is a rare manifestation (0.8%) of Merkel carcinoma - by not knowing the origin of the metastasis, the diagnostic and therapeutic challenge increases.