Two Cases of Merkel Cell Carcinoma of Eyelid and Neck

ABSTRACT

Merkel cell carcinoma is a neuroendocrine tumor of the skin and mucosa;it typically develops on sun-exposed areas in the head, neck, and upper extremities.It is difficult to distinguish Merkel cell carcinoma from any other lid carcinomas.Merkel cell carcinoma has a tendency to spread to the regional tissue, lymphatics, and systemic organs.Because of its poor prognosis, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment by wide surgical excision is necessary. We report two cases of Merkel cell carcinoma.One case is Merkel cell carcinoma involving right upper eyelid and parotid gland which was diagnosed clinically and histologically. The patients was managed by wide surgical resection and radiotherapy.The other case is Merkel cell carcinoma involv-ing the eyelid with extension to retrobulbar space and neck.