Merkel Cell Carcinoma with Gastric Metastasis, a Rare Presentation: Case Report and Literature Review.

Introduction: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an infrequent, but highly aggressive neuroendocrine neoplasm of the skin with a propensity for recurrence and metastasis. We report a rare case of gastric metastatic localization of this cancer by focusing on the diagnostic, clinical, and surgical approach to the patient.

Case Report: Clinical presentation begins with a peripheral lymphadenopathy whose immunohistochemical characterization identifies the lymphatic dissemination of the disease.

Minimally invasive esophagectomy: thoracoscopic esophageal mobilization for esophageal cancer with the patient in prone position.

Background: Surgical resection is the mainstay treatment for resectable esophageal cancer. Minimally invasive esophagectomy is performed with increasing frequency and proves to be a safe and effective surgical alternative to the open technique. Minimally invasive esophagectomy using thoracoscopic esophageal mobilization with the patient in prone position seems to offer some advantages with regard to surgeon ergonomics and clinical outcome.