MERKEL CELL-CARCINOMA OF THE HEAD AND NECK

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare cutaneous tumour that typically arises in the head and neck area of elderly patients. The tumour often follo ws an aggressive course with frequent local recurrences and (regional) metastases, especially when localized above the clavicles. Five patie nts with a Merkel cell carcinoma of the head and neck, treated in our institute since 1984, are presented, illustrating the need for radical initial treatment consisting of surgery and radiotherapy, and showing how rapidly progressive the disease can be. Four of the five patients were cured of disease by a combination of surgery and radiotherapy.