Merkel Cell Carcinoma with Gastric Metastasis, a Rare Presentation: Case Report and Literature Review

Overview

Journal J Gastrointest Cancer

Publisher Springer

Specialties Gastroenterology
Oncology

Date 2022 Mar 8

PMID 35257302

Authors

Vittorio Durastante

Antonello Conte

Pier Paolo Brollo

Carlo Biddau

Michele Graziano

Vittorio Bresadola

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Introduction: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an infrequent, but highly aggressive neuroendocrine neoplasm of the skin with a propensity for recurrence and metastasis. We report a rare case of gastric metastatic localization of this cancer by focusing on the diagnostic, clinical, and surgical approach to the patient.

Case Report: Clinical presentation begins with a peripheral lymphadenopathy whose immunohistochemical characterization identifies the lymphatic dissemination of the disease. Gradually, the patient develops a severe anaemic state which requires several blood transfusions and surgical gastric resection to remove a large bleeding lesion of the antral region. The histopathological analysis of the specimen confirms the metastatic origin from MCC, but the primitive lesion remains unknown.

Discussion: Since this clinical situation is very rare, we conducted a review of the literature selecting the few cases reported, in order to evaluate the current knowledge on this topic. Metastatic involvement of the stomach from Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare presentation of this disease progression with a frequent delay in formulating the correct diagnosis and in further treatment which may be life-threatening for the patient. As regards the local treatment, there is no specific guideline, and the therapeutic indication should be tailored on the specific case.

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