etymologia: Merkel [mәr′-kәl] Cells
2008

Merkel Cells and Their Role in Skin Cancer

publication

Author Information

Author(s): Foulongne, V, Kluger N, Dereure O, Brieu N, Guillot B, Segondy M

Hypothesis

An infectious cause for Merkel cell carcinoma has been proposed.

Conclusion

Merkel cells are linked to a highly malignant skin tumor known as Merkel cell carcinoma.

Supporting Evidence

  • Merkel cells were first identified in the skin of a mole.
  • They were later found in human skin.
  • Friedrich Merkel described these cells in 1875.

Takeaway

Merkel cells are special cells in our skin that can lead to a serious type of skin cancer.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3201/eid1409.099999

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