Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine tumor, which is often misdiagnosed, resulting in most cases presenting with early metastasis. The present study aimed to highlight the incidence, clinical and diagnostic features, pathological characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of MCC.
Method: This is a retrospective single-center cohort study that included MCC patients who referred to our center between January 2008 and December 2024. Continuous variables were expressed as median values with interquartile ranges or mean values with standard deviation. Categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.
Results: A total number of nine patients were included (three males, six females). The mean age at diagnosis was 66.3 ± 6.2 years. The lower limb was the most common tumor location (eight patients), and the mean tumor diameter was 54 ± 28 mm. Of these, six patients (66.7%) had clinically positive lymph nodes, and three (33.3%) had distant metastasis at presentation. Only one patient did not undergo surgery for the primary tumor. Also, four patients (44.4%) underwent regional lymphadenectomy. Adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy were administered to 3 (33.3%) and 2 (22.2%) patients, respectively. During follow-up, one patient developed local recurrence, and two patients developed distant metastasis. Eventually, three patients died (33.3%), while six patients (66.7%) were lost to follow-up. The mean disease-free survival value was 4.6 ± 4.1 months, while the mean overall survival was 9.6 ± 9.1 months.
Conclusion: MCC exhibited distinct characteristics in our locality, particularly in tumor location and size. Early diagnosis and radical surgical intervention may improve outcomes.