Unusual Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Eyelid

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma of the eyelid is a rare tumor with less than 100 reported cases worldwide. We describe an unusual presentation of Merkel cell carcinoma of the eyelid in a 60 year old Asian male. He presented with multiple left lower lid conjunctival nodules, intense conjunctival erythema, as well as ipsilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. An incisional biopsy diagnosed him with Merkel cell carcinoma with a PET scan showing distant metastatic disease. He was then treated with chemotherapy. The combination of a presentation of conjunctival nodules and erythema, location in the lower eyelid and the conjunctiva, the presence of metastatic disease on diagnosis as well as an unusual immunohistochemical profile make this an unusual case.

KEYWORDS::

• Merkel cell carcinoma of eyelid
• CK20 negative Merkel cell carcinoma
• PET CT scan in Merkel cell carcinoma
• Metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma
• Chemotherapy in Merkel cell carcinoma

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.