Dermoscopy of Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Introduction: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous tumor whose clinical presentation, usually a pink nodule, is not specific. We aimed in this study to determine the dermoscopic criteria encountered in MCC. Methods: From our image database we selected the patients diagnosed with MCC and scored the dermoscopic criteria shown by these tumors. Results: Ten patients coming from three different academic hospitals were studied. Vascular structures were the more relevant dermoscopic features. In 8 out of 10 (80%) patients a polymorphic vascular pattern was seen, composed of milky-red clods/areas in association with one or more additional vascular structures. Conclusion: Although an overlap existed between the dermoscopic features observed in MCC and amelanotic melanoma, the presence of a polymorphous vascular pattern may constitute an additional clinical clue to accurately diagnose this rare tumor.