Hamilton J, Levine M R, Lash R, Koenigsberg A
Division of Ophthalmology, Mt Sinai Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-4198.
Ophthalmic Surg. 1993 Nov;24(11):764-9.
The Merkel cell is part of the dendritic cell population of the epidermis, and studies suggest it has a role as a slowly adapting mechanoreceptor involved with mediating the sense of touch. Merkel cells can give rise to malignant neoplasms, one tenth of which occur in the eyelid and periocular area, and manifest as painless erythematous nodules, with overlying telangiectatic blood vessels. Merkel cell carcinoma can mimic other malignant lesions, and the diagnosis can be difficult. One third of the tumors recur, and there is a high rate of metastasis. The estimated 5-year survival rate is 38%. Initial treatment should be aggressive, including surgical resection, with consideration of postoperative radiation. Merkel cell carcinoma responds to chemotherapy, but routinely recurs on cessation of treatment. Two cases are presented to illustrate the typical presentation of Merkel cell carcinoma and the importance of electron microscopy and immunohistochemical studies.
默克尔细胞是表皮树突状细胞群体的一部分，研究表明它作为一种缓慢适应的机械感受器，参与介导触觉。默克尔细胞可引发恶性肿瘤，其中十分之一发生于眼睑及眼周区域，表现为无痛性红斑结节，表面有扩张的毛细血管。默克尔细胞癌可模仿其他恶性病变，诊断可能困难。三分之一的肿瘤会复发，且转移率高。估计5年生存率为38%。初始治疗应积极，包括手术切除，并考虑术后放疗。默克尔细胞癌对化疗有反应，但治疗停止后通常会复发。现展示两例病例，以说明默克尔细胞癌的典型表现以及电子显微镜检查和免疫组织化学研究的重要性。
