Concurrent Hairy Cell Leukemia and Metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma. (14th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Prakash, Ajay; Khalafallah, Alhossain A.
• Other Names: Mayordomo Jose I. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in oncological medicine. Volume 2018(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-11-14
• Subjects: Oncology -- Periodicals; Tumors -- Periodicals; Oncology -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Neoplasms; Oncology; Tumors; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Case studies; Periodicals; Case Reports; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1155/2018/1736854
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-6706

Abstract

Abstract : Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) are two rare malignancies with distinct cells of origin. HCL is a lymphoid malignancy of mature B cells, and MCC derives from neuroendocrine cell origin. HCL has a favorable prognosis with most patients achieving long-term remission and potential cure. In contrast, MCC is an aggressive malignancy affecting the skin and can metastasize quickly with a dismal prognosis. Immunocompromised patients, such as those with AIDS, posttransplant, and the elderly, have higher incidences than the general population, suggesting a possible immune mechanism. We report a case where a patient presented with HCL and metastatic MCC synchronously. This is the first reported case of these two rare malignancies occurring concurrently at initial presentation and may represent a role of immunosuppression in the pathogenesis of MCC.