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Case Report

Ultrasound Assessment in Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Case Report and Narrative Literature Review

by
Vincenza Amoruso
1,2,*,
Letizia Castelli
3,
Anastasia Mercurio
4,
Patrizia Matano
5 and
Giacomo Montaldi
2,5
1
Recovery and Functional Reeducation Unit, Rehabilitation Department, Santa Corona Hospital, 17027 Pietra Ligure, Italy
2
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound School, Italian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, 40136 Bologna, Italy
3
Department of Neurosciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
4
Unit of Anatomical Pathology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
5
Private Practice in Aesthetic Medicine, Center for Aesthetic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine, 17031 Albenga, Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Reports 2026, 9(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/reports9010043
Submission received: 12 December 2025 / Revised: 19 January 2026 / Accepted: 21 January 2026 / Published: 29 January 2026
(This article belongs to the Section Oncology)
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Abstract

Background and Clinical Significance Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine skin malignancy. Early diagnosis is essential to optimize therapeutic strategies and improve prognosis. However, the role of high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) in the diagnostic and follow-up phases of MCC remains under-investigated and underutilized in clinical practice. Case Presentation We present a case of MCC initially referred to a physiatric outpatient clinic for a functional disorder of the third finger, where HFUS revealed a well-circumscribed, hypoechoic subdermal lesion with central and peripheral vascularity. Surgical excision, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma. The HFUS findings were correlated with histological features, and a structured sonographic follow-up protocol was established postoperatively. Conclusions This case highlights the diagnostic and prognostic potential of HFUS in MCC, especially in early detection, surgical planning, and longitudinal follow-up. A multidisciplinary approach integrating ultrasound imaging, surgery, and pathology may enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient management.
Keywords: Merkel cell carcinoma; ultrasound; skin cancer; radiologic imaging; early diagnosis; case report; dermatologic oncology Merkel cell carcinoma; ultrasound; skin cancer; radiologic imaging; early diagnosis; case report; dermatologic oncology

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MDPI and ACS Style

Amoruso, V.; Castelli, L.; Mercurio, A.; Matano, P.; Montaldi, G. Ultrasound Assessment in Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Case Report and Narrative Literature Review. Reports 2026, 9, 43. https://doi.org/10.3390/reports9010043

AMA Style

Amoruso V, Castelli L, Mercurio A, Matano P, Montaldi G. Ultrasound Assessment in Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Case Report and Narrative Literature Review. Reports. 2026; 9(1):43. https://doi.org/10.3390/reports9010043

Chicago/Turabian Style

Amoruso, Vincenza, Letizia Castelli, Anastasia Mercurio, Patrizia Matano, and Giacomo Montaldi. 2026. "Ultrasound Assessment in Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Case Report and Narrative Literature Review" Reports 9, no. 1: 43. https://doi.org/10.3390/reports9010043

APA Style

Amoruso, V., Castelli, L., Mercurio, A., Matano, P., & Montaldi, G. (2026). Ultrasound Assessment in Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Case Report and Narrative Literature Review. Reports, 9(1), 43. https://doi.org/10.3390/reports9010043

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