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Merkel Cell Carcinoma, Adnexal Carcinoma and Basal Cell Carcinoma

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Book cover Non-melanoma Skin Cancer of the Head and Neck

Part of the book series: Head and Neck Cancer Clinics ((HNCC))

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) are derived from the mechanoreceptor cells located in the basal layer of the epidermis and are considered a primary cutaneous neuroendocrine malignancy with characteristically small, round blue cells seen on microscopy [1]. MCC is uncommon, but the incidence is rising and markedly increased in immunosuppressed patients. Chronic sun exposure is presumed to be the chief aetiological factor but, more recently, emerging evidence suggests that merkel cell polyomavirus may also contribute to its development [2]. MCC is considered an aggressive skin malignancy in most patients, with a propensity to locoregional and distant relapse.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Radiation Oncology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Michael Veness MBBS, MMed, MD, MD, FRANZCR

  2. Department of Surgical Oncology, Westmead Cancer Care Centre, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Julie Howle MBBS, MSurg, FRACS

Authors
  1. Michael Veness MBBS, MMed, MD, MD, FRANZCR
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  2. Julie Howle MBBS, MSurg, FRACS
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael Veness MBBS, MMed, MD, MD, FRANZCR .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia

    Faruque Riffat

  2. Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

    Carsten E. Palme

  3. Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

    Michael Veness

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© 2015 Faruque Riffat, Carsten E. Palme, Michael Veness, Rehan Kazi, Raghav C. Dwivedi

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Veness, M., Howle, J. (2015). Merkel Cell Carcinoma, Adnexal Carcinoma and Basal Cell Carcinoma. In: Riffat, F., Palme, C., Veness, M. (eds) Non-melanoma Skin Cancer of the Head and Neck. Head and Neck Cancer Clinics. Springer, New Delhi. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-2497-6_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-2497-6_6

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New Delhi

  • Print ISBN: 978-81-322-2496-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-81-322-2497-6

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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