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A carcinoma arising from MERKEL CELLS located in the basal layer of the epidermis and occurring most commonly as a primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. Merkel cells are tactile cells of neuroectodermal origin and histologically show neurosecretory granules. The skin of the head and neck are a common site of Merkel cell carcinoma, occurring generally in elderly patients. (Holland et al., Cancer Medicine, 3d ed, p1245)
Entry Term(s)
Merkel Cell Cancer
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Merkel Cell Tumor
Merkle Tumors
Previous Indexing
Skin Neoplasms (1966-1988)
Public MeSH Note
89; CARCINOMA, TRABECULAR was see CARCINOMA, MERKEL CELL 1992-93
Online Note
use CARCINOMA, MERKEL CELL to search CARCINOMA, TRABECULAR 1992-93
History Note
89; CARCINOMA, TRABECULAR was see CARCINOMA, MERKEL CELL 1992-93
A carcinoma arising from MERKEL CELLS located in the basal layer of the epidermis and occurring most commonly as a primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. Merkel cells are tactile cells of neuroectodermal origin and histologically show neurosecretory granules. The skin of the head and neck are a common site of Merkel cell carcinoma, occurring generally in elderly patients. (Holland et al., Cancer Medicine, 3d ed, p1245)