An enlarging reddish nodule on a sun-exposed area can be concerning for multiple benign and malignant skin lesions. Immunohistochemical staining positive for CK20 points squarely to Merkel-cell carcinoma (MCC). MCC is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma that typically affects sun-exposed skin of older people. The holidays are an important time to slow down, observe closely, and appreciate what’s right in front of us. That sentiment applies to the clinic, too. A tiny lesion can carry a heavy diagnosis and catching it early would be a gift to our patients.
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An enlarging reddish nodule on a sun-exposed area can be concerning for multiple benign and malignant skin lesions. Immunohistochemical staining positive for CK20 points squarely to Merkel-cell carcinoma (MCC). MCC is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma that typically affects sun-exposed skin of older people. The holidays are an important time to slow down, observe closely, and appreciate what’s right in front of us. That sentiment applies to the clinic, too. A tiny lesion can carry a heavy diagnosis and catching it early would be a gift to our patients.