Background/Objectives:Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine malignancy characterized by its propensity for rapid growth and early regional and distant metastasis. Given its potentially lethal nature, accurate and timely diagnosis of MCC is of utmost importance. This review aims to describe non-invasive imaging methods that can serve as additional tools in the examination of MCC.Methods:In this narrative review, we describe the up-to-date spectrum of non-invasive skin-imaging methods that can serve as additional tools in the examination of MCC based on the available literature. Dermoscopy might enhance the clinical diagnosis of MCC, facilitate differentiation from other benign and malignant tumors, and help optimize the treatment plan. New imaging technologies might also provide useful information at a sub-macroscopic level and support clinical diagnosis. These techniques include high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS), reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT).Results:Clinically, MCC typically presents as a rapidly growing, red, purple or skin-colored painless and firm nodule. Diagnosis is usually established with histopathological assessment and immunohistochemistry. However, dermoscopy and new imaging technologies might enhance the clinical diagnosis of MCC, facilitate differentiation from other benign and malignant tumors, and help optimize the treatment plan.
背景/目的：默克尔细胞癌是一种罕见且具有侵袭性的皮肤神经内分泌恶性肿瘤，其特点是生长迅速并易发生早期区域性和远处转移。鉴于其潜在的致命性，准确及时地诊断默克尔细胞癌至关重要。本综述旨在描述可作为默克尔细胞癌检查辅助工具的无创影像学方法。 方法：在这篇叙述性综述中，我们基于现有文献，描述了可作为默克尔细胞癌检查辅助工具的最新无创皮肤影像学方法。皮肤镜检查可增强默克尔细胞癌的临床诊断，有助于与其他良恶性肿瘤进行鉴别，并帮助优化治疗方案。新的影像技术也可能在亚宏观水平提供有用信息，支持临床诊断。这些技术包括高频超声、反射式共聚焦显微镜和光学相干断层扫描。 结果：临床上，默克尔细胞癌通常表现为快速生长的红色、紫色或肤色的无痛性坚实结节。诊断通常通过组织病理学评估和免疫组织化学检查确立。然而，皮肤镜检查和新的影像技术可增强默克尔细胞癌的临床诊断，有助于与其他良恶性肿瘤进行鉴别，并帮助优化治疗方案。
肿瘤(癌症)患者之家