Cytological and Immunocytochemical Features of Merkel Cell Carcinoma on Fine Needle Cytology Samples: A Study of 22 Cases

Anna Cipolletta Campanile, Maria Gabriella Malzone, Veronica Sanna, Jessica Barizzi, Angela Manna, Antonella Gioioso, Annarosaria De Chiara, Franco Fulciniti

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon neuroendocrine small cell tumor derived from the transformation of the homonymous cells in the basal layer of the epidermis. MCC has a generally aggressive course, with a high tendency for local recurrence, lymph node involvement, and distant metastasis. Fine needle cytology (FNC) and immunocytochemistry were used as diagnostic procedures for 22 cases of MCC presented at our institute. All cases of MCC were successfully diagnosed on FNC. Among all of the monoclonal antisera used (CD56, CK20, CK MNF116, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), synaptophysin, and chromogranin), NSE and CD56 showed the highest frequency of positivity. The accuracy of the cytological diagnosis was 100 % compared to the corresponding previous or subsequent pathological diagnoses. FNC and immunocytochemistry represent excellent and accurate diagnostic methods to distinguish MCC from other small-cell malignant entities.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)243-249
Number of pages7
JournalEndocrine Pathology
Volume26
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 6 2015

Keywords

  • Fine needle cytology
  • Immunocytochemistry
  • Merkel cell carcinoma
  • Neuroendocrine tumor

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Endocrinology
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

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