LYMPHANGIECTOMY AND TREATMENT MODALITIES IN MERKEL CELL-CARCINOMA - AREPORT OF 5 NEW CASES

Merkel-cell trabecular carcinoma of the skin has a prognosis than expe cted for a small lesion. Surgery is central to actual treatment. A wid e excision is indicated for localized disease. For selected cases we b elieve that an extensive resection of the draining lymphatics in conti nuity with the tumor should be performed. We have called this procedur e ''lymphangiectomy'' in comparison to lymphadenectomy when the lymph nodes are removed. An early diagnosis and prompt treatment can contrib ute to improve the survival for this aggressive skin tumor.