Rak neuroendokrynny skóry (Merkla) – aktualne poglądy na patogenezę oraz metody leczenia

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive neuroendocrine skincancer localized mostly on exposed, sun-damaged skin – on the headand neck. Although rapidly increasing incidence of MCC is observed,the pathogenesis of the tumour is unclear. Diagnosis is based on clinicaland histopathological examination together with immunohistochemistry.Discovery of the Merkel cell polyomavirus and its associationwith Merkel cell carcinoma may significantly contribute tounderstanding of MCC pathogenesis and development of new methodsof therapy. Surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy is the essentialtreatment of the localized disease.