Work

Merkel Cell Carcinoma Involving the Cerebrospinal Fluid: A Case Report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare skin cancer with very low incidence, so community oncologists do not encounter many cases of this pathology in their day-to-day practice. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement by MCC is an extremely rare manifestation of this already rare pathology, and so not many cases are available in the literature. Case Presentation: We present a case of an 83-year-old woman that was seen at our facility with MCC involving the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Conclusion: There are no specific guidelines for treatment of MCC involving the CNS, so description of every single case of MCC involving CNS is of utmost importance so as to (a) help increase awareness of this entity among clinicians, (b) highlight different treatment approaches being implemented at different facilities, and (c) eventually help develop best treatment guidelines to treat such cases.

Source: Case Reports in Oncology

DOI: 10.1159/000551098

Authors: Cade A. Cantu, Asthra A. Palla, Amruth P. Ratnakar

Institutions: Central Michigan University, Na Kama Kai, MidMichigan Medical Center - Midland

Language: English

Topic: Polyomavirus and related diseases

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,170