Neuroendocrine (Merkel cell) carcinoma of the auricle

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare locally aggressive malignancy. Most commonly occurs in the head and neck area and only six cases on the auricle have been reported. Immunocytochemistry may help with the differential diagnosis of small cell tumors that share cytomorphological features with merkel cell carcinoma. We present cytological findings as well as immunocytochemical ones in a case of this unusual entity of the auricle.