Il merkeloma del distretto cervico-cefalico. Caso clinico

The authors report a case of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin (Merkel cell carcinoma or 'trabecular carcinoma') arising from the left parotid gland region in a 66-year-old male. This type of tumour is rare. I may occur anywhere in the body but is the commonest in the head and neck region. The tumour local incidence, its malignant behaviour with rapid local progression, and the aggressive therapy (CH + RT + PCT) justified the otolaryngologist interesting for this pathology. The present case, underwent surgery. He would have had a radiotherapeutic treatment but he died before starting it. There is yet no agreement on the treatment protocol for this tumour. Thus early diagnosis and aggressive multimodality therapy are likely to offer the best chances for the patient.