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A case of Merkel-cell carcinoma metastatic to the tonsil

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

F. Tesei*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Bologna University.
G. Farneti*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Bologna University.
O. Cavicchi
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Bologna University.
P. Antonelli
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Bologna University.
G. Zanetti
Affiliation:
Department of Pathology, Bologna University.
O. Leone
Affiliation:
Department of Pathology, Bologna University.
*
Dr Filippo Tesei, Clinica Orl, Università di Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy. Fax: 6363525.
Dr Filippo Tesei, Clinica Orl, Università di Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy. Fax: 6363525.

Abstract

Metastatic tumours are rare in the tonsil. We describe a 69-year-old male patient who had previously undergone a resection of a Merkel-cell tumour of the left forearm and subsequently presented with a left tonsillar tumour. Biopsy revealed a metastatic Merkel-cell carcinoma. Our patient is the first described case of Merkel-cell carcinoma metastasizing to the tonsil. The clinical and histopathological picture of this rare tumour is presented, along with a review of literature

Type
View from Beneath: Pathology in Focus
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1992

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