Merkel cell carcinoma in the setting of HIV infection

Merkel cell carcinoma has been found to have an increased incidence among i mmunosuppressed patients, specifically organ transplant recipients receivin g immunosuppressive therapy. HIV similarly depresses the immune response of infected persons. We report a case of Merkel cell carcinoma ( ICC) in an H N-infected patient who died from liver metastases 2 years after his tumor w as diagnosed. The purpose of this report is to describe the possible relati onship between HN and MCC and to emphasize the importance of early diagnosi s and aggressive management of MCC.