Ear Nose Throat J. 2014 Mar;93(3):100-2.
FIRST PARAGRAPH: Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and highly aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma that, in most cases, is caused by Merkel cell polyomavirus (approximately 80% of cases). The tumor usually arises on sun-exposed skin of elderly patients, particularly on the head and neck and extremities. There is a slight female preponderance and an increased risk in individuals who are immunosuppressed. Clinically, the tumors are often indistinguishable from other skin cancers and typically present as a firm, painless, rapidly growing nodule. They may be flesh-colored, red, or blue tumors that typically vary in size from 0.5 cm to more than 5 cm (average, 2 cm). When they have a reddish nodular appearance, they may be mistaken for angiosarcoma or granulation tissue.
PubMed ID: 24652557
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