Merkel cell tumour occurring simultaneously in the upper and lower eyelids.

PURPOSE

To highlight an unusual presentation of two Merkel cell tumours in the same patient.

RESULT

We report a case of two Merkel cell tumours occurring simultaneously in the upper and lower eyelids of an elderly woman, a unique occurrence. Wide local resection and reconstruction resulted in microscopic clearance of the tumours. Lymphatic spread was detected, a common feature. She had previously undergone excision of a similar lesion from the lower eyelid.

CONCLUSION

Merkel cell tumour is a rare tumour of the elderly that often locally recurs and metastaseses early. Treatment consists of wide local excision with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. Juxtaposing lesions on the eyelids have not been previously reported. We postulate that this patient showed local recurrence and a new tumour of the upper eyelid simultaneously.