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Is Merkel Cell Carcinoma of Lymph Node Actually Metastatic Cutaneous Merkel Cell Carcinoma? American journal of clinical pathology Lawrence, L. E., Saleem, A. n., Sahoo, M. K., Tan, S. K., Pinsky, B. A., Natkunam, Y. n., Kunder, C. A., Stehr, H. n., Zehnder, J. L. 2020

Abstract

The possibility of a so-called primary lymph node neuroendocrine carcinoma has been described in the literature. Here we evaluate cases fitting such a diagnosis and find that the cases demonstrate a convincing and pervasive pattern consistent with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma.Six cases of primary lymph node Merkel cell carcinoma and one case of metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma at a bony site, all with unknown primary, were sequenced using a combination of whole-exome and targeted panel methods. Sequencing results were analyzed for the presence of an ultraviolet (UV) mutational signature or off-target detection of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV).Four of six primary lymph node cases were positive for a UV mutational signature, with the remaining two cases positive for off-target alignment of MCPyV. One case of neuroendocrine carcinoma occurring at a bony site was also positive for a UV mutational signature.We find no evidence to corroborate the existence of so-called primary Merkel cell carcinoma of lymph node.

View details for DOI 10.1093/ajcp/aqaa051

View details for PubMedID 32445471