Merkel cell cancer surgery

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] ; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Vamsikrishna Gunnam M.B.B.S [2]

Overview

The predominant therapy for merkel cell cancer is surgical resection.

Surgery

The initial standard approach for patients with merkel cell cancer is wide excision.
According to:^[1]
- European Dermatology Forum (EDF)
- European Association of Dermato-Oncology (EADO)
- European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) the primary tumour should be excised a margin of at least 1 to 2 cm of healthy tissue surrounding it.
Overall survival rate in patients with merkel cell cancer increases dramatically by achieving negative margins during excision of the tumour.^[2]
Regional lymph nodes are often resection because they may contain cancer cells.

Mohs micrographic surgery is indicated when considered cosmetic outcomes especially on sensitive body parts like face.^[3]^[4]

References

↑ Lebbe C, Becker JC, Grob JJ, Malvehy J, Del Marmol V, Pehamberger H, Peris K, Saiag P, Middleton MR, Bastholt L, Testori A, Stratigos A, Garbe C (November 2015). “Diagnosis and treatment of Merkel Cell Carcinoma. European consensus-based interdisciplinary guideline”. Eur. J. Cancer. 51 (16): 2396–403. doi:10.1016/j.ejca.2015.06.131. PMID 26257075.
↑ Tai PT, Yu E, Tonita J, Gilchrist J (October 2000). “Merkel cell carcinoma of the skin”. J Cutan Med Surg. 4 (4): 186–95. doi:10.1177/120347540000400403. PMID 11231196.
↑ O’Connor WJ, Roenigk RK, Brodland DG (October 1997). “Merkel cell carcinoma. Comparison of Mohs micrographic surgery and wide excision in eighty-six patients”. Dermatol Surg. 23 (10): 929–33. PMID 9357504.
↑ Boyer JD, Zitelli JA, Brodland DG, D’Angelo G (December 2002). “Local control of primary Merkel cell carcinoma: review of 45 cases treated with Mohs micrographic surgery with and without adjuvant radiation”. J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 47 (6): 885–92. doi:10.1067/mjd.2002.125083. PMID 12451374.

Overview