Defining the Profile of Patients with Primary Merkel Cell Carcinoma in Central Italy: A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare neuroendocrine skin cancer that usually occurs in elderly people on sun-exposed areas, with a predisposition to local recurrence. Evidence suggests a growing incidence over the past decade; however, robust epidemiologic data are still lacking. We describe the MCC population in clinical practice in a retrospective analysis of demographic, clinical, and tumor characteristics from medical records of primary MCC patients, between 2015 and 2020, at six dermatology clinics in Central Italy. Ninety-four patients were included (57.4% male; mean age 78.2 ± 10.1 years, range 47–99 years). The estimated incidence rate of MCC was 0.93 per 100,000 inhabitants/year. Lower limbs were the most frequently affected site (31.5%), and 54% of patients for whom information was available were immunosuppressed. Lymph node involvement was reported in 42.5% of patients, and distant metastases in almost 20%. Most patients underwent surgery for tumor excision and were mainly referred to specialized dermatology clinics by dermatologists (47.9%) and general surgeons (28.7%). Apart from the relatively balanced prevalence of MCC in men and women, the predominant location on lower limbs, and the higher incidence rate compared with previous reports in Italy, this population is, overall, similar to the populations described in other observational studies. MCC management requires the involvement of several specialties. Increased awareness of MCC and standardization of its management are urgently needed.