Carcinoma, Merkel Cell

Synonyms

Cancer, Merkel Cell

Cell Cancer, Merkel

Merkel Cell Cancer

Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Merkel Cell Tumor

Merkle Tumors

Tumor, Merkel Cell

Tumors, Merkle

A carcinoma arising from MERKEL CELLS located in the basal layer of the epidermis and occurring most commonly as a primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. Merkel cells are tactile cells of neuroectodermal origin and histologically show neurosecretory granules. The skin of the head and neck are a common site of Merkel cell carcinoma, occurring generally in elderly patients. (Holland et al., Cancer Medicine, 3d ed, p1245)