TriangleHEALTH PROFESSIONAL · SOURCE READING
Local recurrence
Source: Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: May 9, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary.
Context: Treatment of Recurrent Merkel Cell Carcinoma / Treatment Options for Recurrent Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Treatment options for patients with local recurrence include wider local surgery if possible, followed by radiation therapy, if not previously given.
Regional lymph node dissection (RLND) can also be considered if regional draining nodes have not been previously removed.
Because of the poor prognosis after recurrence, systemic therapy can also be considered, although there is no evidence that it improves survival.
Preserved source evidence · Not medical advice