Primary small cell carcinoma of the skin

Abstract

A case of primary small cell carcinoma of the skin is reported. The patient manifested intermittent, rapidly recurrent local disease which responded to irradiation and chemotherapy. There was no evidence of widespread dissemination during the course of the patient's illness, which terminated in a probable episode of sepsis due to leukopenia. Electron microscopic examination demonstrated rare clusters of dense-core („neurosecretory”) granules in cytoplasmic processes. Electron microscopic study is necessary in order to distinguish this tumor from other small cell neoplasms. However, detailed clinical investigation is necessary to rule out a possible primary source elsewhere, e.g., lung.