A carcinoma arising from MERKEL CELLS located in the basal layer of the epidermis and occurring most commonly as a primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. Merkel cells are tactile cells of neuroectodermal origin and histologically show neurosecretory granules. The skin of the head and neck are a common site of Merkel cell carcinoma, occurring generally in elderly patients. (Holland et al., Cancer Medicine, 3d ed, p1245)
Also Known As:
Carcinoma, Merkel Cell; Merkel Cell Cancer; Merkle Tumors; Cancer, Merkel Cell; Cell Cancer, Merkel; Tumor, Merkel Cell; Tumors, Merkle; Merkel Cell Tumor