ABSTRACT
Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare cutaneous malignancy with high metastatic potential. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is used to assess locoregional spread, facilitate staging, and inform prognosis. Positive nodal status is associated with higher recurrence rates and reduced overall survival. Methods: A systematic search was conducted. Eligible articles included patients diagnosed with MCC, who would be candidates for or who had SLNB. The Covidence tool was used for screening and data extraction, including additional treatments, disease-free survival, overall survival, and recurrence. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottowa Scale criteria. Results: SLNB was associated with increased likelihood of completion lymphadenectomy (223 versus 41), regional radiotherapy (2167 versus 808), and systemic chemotherapy (138 versus 31). Overall survival for patients undergoing SLNB was 81% at 2 years, 75% at 3 years, and 72% at 5 years (odds ratio: 0.79). Hazard ratio for positive SLNB versus negative was 3.36 (P < 0.001). Five-year disease recurrence was 23.3% in patients undergoing SLNB. Conclusions: Lymph node metastases are associated with reduced overall survival and increased recurrence of MCC. Determining nodal status early can inform prognosis, facilitate staging, and determine need for adjuvant treatment. Adjuvant treatments are associated with reduced mortality and improved overall survival; SLNB is an important influencer of their use. Early prophylactic intervention should be considered in MCC in both positive and negative nodal status to improve overall outcomes. Widespread use of SLNB will allow more accurate assessment of the role of nodal status on adjuvant treatment and long-term outcomes.
ABSTRACT
Desmoid tumors, characterized by aggressive local infiltration of surrounding tissues, are uncommon benign neoplasms with no metastatic potential, that occasionally may attain large size. We report a case of a 37-year-old woman with an abdominal wall desmoid tumor that appeared and grew rapidly during her pregnancy, diagnosed by trucut core biopsy. Complete surgical excision of a 20 x 16 cm in size tumor and immediate reconstruction with mesh was performed in the postpartum period. She had no postoperative complications and no recurrence at 2-year follow-up. Optimal management of large abdominal wall desmoids during pregnancy has to be individualized, with wide surgical excision remaining the treatment of choice.
