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Unusual Merkel cell carcinoma in a renal transplant recipient: case report and review of the literature

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European Journal of Plastic Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon and aggressive neuroendocrine primary skin cancer known for its high propensity for local recurrence and distant metastases. There is no consensus regarding the optimal therapeutic approach, and the relative roles of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are still controversial. MCC generally affects elderly patients in areas of actinically damaged skin. Several studies suggest that a more aggressive course is observed in immunocompromised patients such as organ transplant recipients. Clinically, MCC usually appears as a rapidly growing, dome-shaped and solitary nodule. More than half of these tumours occur in the head and neck, and can become a challenge for the plastic and reconstructive surgeon. An unusual case of this cutaneous malignancy is presented in a renal transplant recipient. The tumour was located in the medial canthus of the eye. Tumour resection was performed and a reverse flow pre-auricular island flap and a forehead flap were used for reconstruction.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Hospital de São João, Porto Medical School, Porto, Portugal

    Pedro Ferreira, Carlos Pinho, Augusta Cardoso, Jorge Rodrigues & José Amarante

  2. Department of Radiology, Hospital de São João, Porto Medical School, Porto, Portugal

    José Miguel Pereira & Rui Cunha

  3. Ludgar de Vila-Chã/Carvalhal, 4755-106, Barcelos, Portugal

    Pedro Ferreira

Authors
  1. Pedro Ferreira
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  2. Carlos Pinho
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  3. Augusta Cardoso
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  4. José Miguel Pereira
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  5. Rui Cunha
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  6. Jorge Rodrigues
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  7. José Amarante
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Correspondence to Pedro Ferreira.

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Ferreira, P., Pinho, C., Cardoso, A. et al. Unusual Merkel cell carcinoma in a renal transplant recipient: case report and review of the literature. Eur J Plast Surg 28, 426–431 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-005-0805-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-005-0805-4

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