Merkel cell carcinoma of the eyebrow extending into the orbit

BACKGROUND. Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive cutaneous neopla sm with high local recurrence and metastatic rates. PURPOSE. To highlight an unusual presentation of a Merkel cell carcinoma. CASE REPORT. We report a large Merkel cell tumor in an 85-year-old woman. I f extended from the eyebrow into the upper nasal orbit posterior to the equ ator of the eye globe. Local resection resulted in microscopically complete removal of the tumor. During follow-up (20 months) no local recurrence was noticed but there was a metastasis in a lymphatic nodule. CONCLUSIONS. Merkel cell carcinoma often presents in the eyelids and perior bital region. However, extension from the eyebrow deep into the orbit is un usual.