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Combined Merkel Cell Carcinoma and Atypical Fibroxanthoma

  • Case Report
  • Published:
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery

Abstract

Background

Although there are reports of squamous cell carcinoma arising within and adjacent to Merkel cell carcinoma, and one report of an atypical fibroxanthoma-like tumor arising in an irradiated recurrent Merkel cell carcinoma, there have previously been no reports of an immunohistochemically verified atypical fibroxanthoma occurring in conjunction with a Merkel cell carcinoma.

Objective

We report on a neoplasm with distinct features of both Merkel cell carcinoma and atypical fibroxanthoma.

Methods

Histologic and immunohistochemical evaluations were performed.

Results

Our results verify the finding of a combined Merkel cell carcinoma and atypical fibroxanthoma.

Conclusion

This case is an interesting and unusual combination of tumors. The origin of the Merkel cell carcinoma is revisited. Debated origins include neuroendocrine, epithelial, and pleuripotent stem cell.

Sommaire

Antécédents

Malgré les rapports indiquant la présence de carcinomes squameux en connexion avec les carcinomes des cellules de Merkel, et d’un rapport associant un carcinome des cellules de Merkel irradié et récurrent à une tumeur atypique ressemblant au fibroxanthome, il n’y a jamais eu de rapports sur un fibroxanthome atypique, confirmé par immunohistochimie, en connexion avec un carcinome des cellules de Merkel.

Objectif

Présenter un néoplasme ayant des caractérisques différentes de celles d’un carcinome des cellules de Merkel et d’un fibroxanthome atypique.

Méthode

Des évaluations hystologiques et immunohistochimiques ont été pratiquées.

Résultats

Vérification d’une combinaison de carcinome à cellules de Merkel et d’un fibroxanthome atypique.

Conclusion

Il s’agit d’une combinaison de tumeurs intéressante et inusitée. L’origine du carcinome à cellules de Merkel est revue. Les origines controversées comprennent les cellules souches neuroendocrines, épithéliales et pluripotentes.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA

    Summer R. Youker

  2. Department of Dermatology, Pennsylvania State University, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA

    Elizabeth M. Billingsley

Authors
  1. Summer R. Youker
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  2. Elizabeth M. Billingsley
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Summer R. Youker.

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Youker, S.R., Billingsley, E.M. Combined Merkel Cell Carcinoma and Atypical Fibroxanthoma. J Cutan Med Surg 9, 6–9 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10227-005-0024-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10227-005-0024-4

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