Introduction:

Merkel cell carcinoma is a malign primary tumour that mainly affects regions that are exposed to solar radiation. Few cases have been reported in a region that is not exposed to the above mentioned risk factor, as the gluteal regions.

The study aims to communicate the clinical case of a Merkel cell carcinoma of the gluteal region.

Clinical case:

63-year-old male patient who consulted for a tumour with a 2cm diameter in the right gluteal region, rapidly growing, being completely resected in a cordinaterd surgery under anesthesia. Pathology study revealed that it was Merkel cell carcinoma. No distance dissemination was seen, and thus as per the TNM staging system it was classified as stage I. Therapy was completed with local radiotherapy, It is currently under follow up and asymptomatic.

Discussion:

Merkel cell carcinoma are highly aggressive tumours. Apart from solar radiation as a risk factor, it is worth mentioning immunodeficiency and a new polyomavirus, the Merkel cell polyomavirus.

This condition can be seen as purple, rapidly growing tumours and they frequently involve synchronic or metachronic lymph node compromise. Surgical resection with sufficient margins and lymph node emptying, in the event of lymph node compromise or sentinel node biopsy is recommended. Prognosis depends on the stage and a 30% relapse has been reported after 2 years.

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