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)