Clinical and dermoscopic characteristics of Merkel cell carcinoma

Summary Background Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous malignancy with a high mortality rate. Diagnosis is often delayed. Objectives To characterize the dermoscopic features of MCC. Methods Clinical and dermoscopic images of 12 biopsy-proven MCCs were analysed in a retrospective manner, with existing dermoscopic criteria being scored independently by three dermatologists. Results The four most frequent clinical features were cherry red colour, shiny surface, sharp circumscription and nodular morphology. Significant dermoscopic features included linear irregular and polymorphous vessels, poorly focused vessels, milky pink areas, white areas, structureless areas and architectural disorder. Pigmented structures were absent from all lesions. Conclusions The dermoscopic features described herein help the clinician to distinguish MCC from other benign and malignant red nodules. Increasing recognition of the presenting features will facilitate earlier diagnosis of MCC and reduced mortality.