Merkel cell carcinoma in organ transplant recipients: Case reports and review of the literature

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive tumor of the skin and mucous membranes that typically occurs in elderly white men and in immunosuppressed individuals. The reported incidence of MCC has tripled over the last 20 years in the United States1 from 0.15 to 0.44 cases per 100 000 between 1986 and 2001.2 In light of the poor prognosis and high risk for recurrence, metastasis, and death associated with MCC, this increasing trend is of concern. The risk factors for MCC are similar to those for other skin cancers, mainly ultraviolet light exposure, older age, T-cell immunosuppression, fair skin, and male sex.