Neuroendocrine (Merkel cell) carcinoma of the oral mucosa: report of a case with immunohistochemical study and review of the literature

Merkel cell carcinoma (Mcc) is an uncommon and aggressive tumour with neuro endocrine features that occur predominantly in the head and neck region. Th e rarity of this tumour, especially when it arises in the oral mucosa. make s both early identification and standardisation of treatment difficult. par ticularly as regards complementary treatment. The availability of monoclona l antibodies with restricted specificity for some antigens thought to be re lated to neuroendocrine carcinomas, such as Merkel cell carcinoma, and ultr astructural studies offer some new leads to investigation. This has allowed , a greater number of these tumours to be discovered, thereby increasing th e chances of effective management. A case of Mcc of the floor of the mouth is reported, together with the results of cytokeratin, neuron specific enol ase and chromogranin immunohistochemistry.