Merkel cell carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer occurring in about three thousand persons per year in the United States. It is also known as cutaneous APUDoma, primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin, primary small-cell carcinoma of the skin, and trabecular carcinoma of the skin. Factors involved in the development of MCC include the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV or MCV), a weakened immune system, or exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Merkel cell carcinoma usually arises on the head, neck, and extremities, as well as in the perianal region and on the eyelid. It ‘most often presents in an older white population with a male predominance'; 'median age of presentation falls within the late seventh decade, despite a broad age range (fourth to tenth decades).’ MCC is less common in children.