Merkel cell carcinoma of unknown primary with lymph node and mesenteric metastasis involving the pancreas and duodenum.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) of skin is a rare, aggressive cutaneous malignancy of neuroendocrine origin. MCC predominantly affects elderly Caucasians and has high predilection for sun exposed areas. Histologic exam and immunohistochemical profile is required to establish the diagnosis. It has high propensity for local recurrence and metastasis, and carries poor prognosis. However, metastasis to mesentery involving the duodenum is very uncommon and rarely reported in literature. We hereby describe a patient with lymph node and mesenteric metastasis invading duodenum and pancreas with unknown primary origin of MCC.

Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome: an unusual finding of gastro-intestinal adenomatous polyps in a syndrome characterized by hamartomatous polyps.

Cronkhite-Canada syndrome is a rare, hamartomatous polyposis syndrome of unknown etiology. Hamartomatous gastro-intestinal polyps, alopecia, onychodystrophy, cutaneous hyperpigmentation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and complications of weight loss are typical of the syndrome. In this report, we describe a pathological finding of colonic adenomatous polyposis as opposed to hamartomatous polyposis. We also describe our treatment, long-term therapeutic plan, and the need for further research.