Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer, typically involving the head, neck, and rarely extremities. MCC of the hand is rare, and early diagnosis is critical to optimizing patient outcomes. We report a case of MCC of the hand in a 79-year-old woman with a 1-month history of a left-hand mass. A punch biopsy of the lesion confirmed the diagnosis of MCC. Treatment consisted of wide local excision with 1.5 cm margins, split-thickness skin grafting, a negative sentinel node biopsy, followed by a single treatment of adjuvant radiation therapy. This case emphasizes the importance of early detection of MCC in atypical locations and highlights the challenges in diagnosis and management. Early recognition and aggressive treatment of MCC is critical to improving patient outcomes. This case also discusses a change in adjuvant radiation therapy protocols for MCC.
Authors: Brooklyn VanDerWolde, Victoria Durkin, Kelly Jerstad, James Breit, Robert E. Van Demark
Institutions: University of South Dakota, Sanford USD Medical Center
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,500
OpenAlex ID: W7165143486