Metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma to the colon: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine neoplasm that usually occurs in immunosuppressed individuals in sun-exposed regions of the skin; any involvement of the digestive tract is very rare. We present the case of a man with a history of diabetes mellitus who presented with a dorsal MCC metastatic to the cecum and colon. The patient was treated with chemotherapy, obtaining a partial response as the best response. A high clinical suspicion and multidisciplinary evaluation are necessary to reach a timely diagnosis and treatment, with the aim of improving the oncological outcomes of these patients.

Keywords

• Merkel cell carcinoma. Metastatic. Colon. Cecum. Case report.