Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the External Ear: Population-Based Analysis and Survival Outcomes




Alves Andre S, Scampa Matteo, Martineau Jerome, Giordano Salvatore, Kalbermatten Daniel F, Oranges Carlo M

PublisherMDPI

2022

Cancers

CANCERS

CANCERS

5653

14

22

11

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14225653

https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/178386248



(1) Background: Due to its highly aggressive behavior, the ability to identify and manage Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) with a full understanding of its characteristics is essential. Because the external ear is an exposed area, resection can have dramatic consequences on patient's self-image, which is why it is fundamental to detect MCC, typically found on UV-exposed regions such as the ears, at an early stage.

(2) Methods: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was searched for all external ear MCC between 2000 and 2019. A descriptive analysis based on frequencies was made to describe the demography of pathophysiologic features linked to MCC. Overall survival (OS) was studied and compared between variables with a log rank test. A multivariable Cox regression analysis was then computed to identify independent prognostic factors.

(3) Results: A total of 210 patients (160 men) were identified with a median age of 80 years. The median OS was 47 months. Factors associated with lower OS included an age of over 80 years, the male gender, a tumor size of >5 cm, and metastatic disease. Gross (<1 cm) and wide (>1 cm) surgery excision margins were the surgery types with the best OS.

(4) Conclusions: MCC of the external ear is diagnosed mostly in old men. Among the 182 patients who received a surgical procedure, gross and wide excision without radiotherapy were associated with the best OS.


Last updated on 2024-26-11 at 21:37