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Clinical course and prognostic factors in Merkel cell carcinoma

A retrospective analysis of the clinical course and prognostic factors of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) was undertaken in 57 patients (median age 70.7 years) from 1988-2006 in a German hospital dermatology department. Age at diagnosis ranged from 26-97 years (median 71 years). Tumors were mainly located on the head and neck (47.4%) and upper extremities (24.6%). The majority (78.9%) were diagnosed at stage 1. The stage of disease (P < 0.0001) and age at initial presentation (P = 0.0327) were statistically significant with regard to overall survival. Radiotherapy after excision of the primary tumor extended time to progression (P = 0.0376), but overall or tumor-specific survival were not prolonged. Early recognition ...