The importance of the head and neck region in regression of advanced MCC: A clinical report

This paper presents the case of a 76-year-old woman who experienced a total regression of a Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). The primary site of the tumor was on her right eyebrow. After this lesion was excised, the patient presented a massive locoregional metastasis on the right parotid gland and the laterocervical lymph nodes. No distant metastases were detected. An incisional biopsy into the right parotid gland confirmed the diagnosis of MCC metastasis. No surgical treatment was prescribed because of the advanced stage of the disease. Spontaneous total regression on the parotid and the neck mass was observed within 3 months. This is the 15th case of spontaneous regression in total and the 14th case with a site of origin in the head and neck region. ©2007Muntaz B. Habal, MD.