Advanced neuroendocrine carcinoma (Merkel cell carcinoma) of the vulva: a case report and literature review. Issue 1 (2nd January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Botha, Adam R; Mbodi, Langanani; Wadee, Reubina
• Is Part Of: Southern African journal of gynaecological oncology. Volume 12:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 5
• Publication Date: 2020-01-02
• Subjects: Merkel cell carcinoma -- neuroendocrine carcinoma -- vulva -- vulval carcinoma -- vulvar carcinoma; Generative organs, Female -- Cancer -- Periodicals; Cancer in women -- Periodicals; Cancer in women; Generative organs, Female -- Cancer; Periodicals; 616.99465
• DOI: 10.1080/20742835.2020.1740434
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2074-2835

Abstract

Abstract : Neuroendocrine carcinomas (Merkel cell carcinomas) of the vulva are extremely rare tumours, with very few cases reported to date. Herein, a primary neuroendocrine carcinoma (Merkel cell carcinoma) of the vulva is reported. A 34-year-old HIV-positive female on antiretroviral therapy presented with a four-month history of a right-sided vulval mass. She underwent surgical excision of a histologically confirmed neuroendocrine carcinoma. Twenty-four weeks after surgery, she died. This case illustrates the importance of a broad differential diagnosis for neoplasms in the usual sites, and the aggressive nature of this tumour, which to date has had limited effective treatment options.