2021 Volume 36 Issue 1 Pages 49-54
A 32-year-old woman had noticed a small tumor on her right cheek since 3 months which rapidly increased in size. It had become almost 20 mm in diameter and had been resected by another doctor 2 weeks prior. It had been histopathologically diagnosed as Merkel cell carcinoma. Imaging showed no obvious metastatic or other neoplastic findings. Therefore, she underwent a wider local re-excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy, both of which were negative for tumor cells. She had no history of excessive UV exposure or immunosuppressive status. Merkel cell polyomavirus was positive on immunostaining. She did not receive additional treatment, and no signs of recurrence were observed at her 2-year follow-up.
Merkel cell carcinoma is overwhelmingly more common in elderly people. Herein, we report a case of Merkel cell carcinoma in a 32-year-old woman that occurred due to Merkel cell polyomavirus. This is the youngest case of Merkel cell carcinoma to be reported in Japan.[Skin Cancer (Japan) 2021 ; 36 : 49-54]
