Dermatologic Manifestations of Merkel Cell Carcinoma Questions & Answers

Updated: Mar 24, 2023
  • Author: Meghana Agni, MD; Chief Editor: William D James, MD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is Merkel cell carcinoma?

What is the pathophysiology of Merkel cell carcinoma?

What causes Merkel cell carcinoma?

What epidemiological factors affect the incidence of Merkel cell carcinoma?

What is the prognosis of Merkel cell carcinoma?

Presentation

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of Merkel cell carcinoma?

Which physical findings are characteristic of Merkel cell carcinoma?

Which physical findings suggest metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma?

What are the possible complications of Merkel cell carcinoma?

DDX

What are the differential diagnoses for Dermatologic Manifestations of Merkel Cell Carcinoma?

Workup

What are the approach considerations in the workup of Merkel cell carcinoma?

What is the role of imaging studies in the workup of Merkel cell carcinoma?

What procedures are used in the workup of Merkel cell carcinoma?

Which histologic findings are characteristic of Merkel cell carcinoma?

How is Merkel cell carcinoma staged?

What laboratory tests are used in the workup of Merkel cell carcinoma?

Treatment

How is Merkel cell carcinoma treated?

What is the role of surgery in the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma?

Which specialist consultations are beneficial to patients with Merkel cell carcinoma?

How is Merkel cell carcinoma prevented?

What long-term monitoring is needed in Merkel cell carcinoma patients?

Guidelines

What are the European Dermatology Forum, European Association of Dermato-Oncology, and European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer guidelines on Merkel cell carcinoma?

Medications

What is the role of medications in the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma?

Which medications in the drug class PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors are used in the treatment of Dermatologic Manifestations of Merkel Cell Carcinoma?