A Review of Non-Invasive Skin Imaging in Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Diagnostic Utility and Clinical Implications.

Simple Summary: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive skin cancer that grows quickly and has a life-threatening potential. Because of its severity, it is important to provide a fast diagnostic. For a tumor like this, diagnosis usually requires a tissue sample examined under a microscope with special staining techniques. However, newer non-invasive imaging methods could help identify MCC without a biopsy. These include advanced techniques which provide detailed images of the skin. This review highlights recent research on these imaging methods, emphasizing their potential to improve MCC diagnosis and treatment planning. This can also help patients get diagnosed more quickly and comfortably, without the need for more invasive procedures. 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]