Recurrence of Merkel cell carcinoma in the gastrointestinal tract: A case report

Abstract

Background: Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive skin malignancy that arises from primary neural cells and has a tendency for local recurrence and regional lymph node metastases. There are only a few cases in the literature reporting metastases of Merkel cell carcinoma to the gastrointestinal tract. Case presentation: We present a 70 year old Caucasian female with distant history of Merkel cell carcinoma who presented with iron-deficiency anemia. Colonoscopy performed later for the evaluation of anemia revealed 1 cm polyp in ascending colon which turned out to be the recurrence of Merkel cell carcinoma. Conclusion: Metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma to the gastrointestinal tract or any other organ should be considered in patients with a history of Merkel cell carcinoma.