Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor with high mortality. It is well known that clonal integration of the Merkel cell polyomavirus into the dermal precursor cells is a hypothesized pathway in Merkel cell carcinoma pathogenesis. Here, we demonstrate a case of Merkel cell carcinoma (primary origin unknown) presenting with high Merkel cell polyomavirus DNA levels in swabs obtained from normal skin.