Merkel cell cancer pathophysiology
|
Merkel cell cancer Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Merkel cell cancer pathophysiology On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Merkel cell cancer pathophysiology |
|
Risk calculators and risk factors for Merkel cell cancer pathophysiology |
Overview
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an unusual cutaneous malignancy of neuroendocrine origin.Merkel nerve endings are mechanoreceptors in the skin.Merkel cells are normal components in the basal layer of the epidermis of the skin.
Pathophysiology
Physiology
The normal physiology of merkel cells can be understood as follows:[1]
- Merkel nerve ending are large, pale cells which function as mechanoreceptors in the skin.
- Merkel cells are usually derived from ectoderm and can be found in the mucosa and basal layer of the epidermis on the skin.
- Neuropeptides which are an integral part of cytoskeletal filaments can be positive for merkel cells.
- Large population of merkel cells can be found in the nerve terminal.
- The presence of merkel cells in the glabrous skin can be called as touch corpuscles and they function as mechanoreceptors.
Pathogenesis
- It is understood that merkel cell cancer is the result caused by either merkel cell polyomavirus, ultraviolet (UV), radiation exposure and immunosuppression.
Merkel cell polyomavirus
Genetics
Molecular Pathogenesis
Associated Diseases
Gross Pathology
Microscopic Histopathology
References
- ↑ Halata, Zdenek; Grim, Milos; Bauman, Klaus I. (2003). "Friedrich Sigmund Merkel and his ?Merkel cell?, morphology, development, and physiology: Review and new results". The Anatomical Record. 271A (1): 225–239. doi:10.1002/ar.a.10029. ISSN 0003-276X.