BACKGROUND: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive skin tumour with a highly malignant nature whose appropriate treatment is still debated. The Authors report a case of cutaneous metastasis from neuroendocrine carcinoma and analyse new diagnostic and terapeutic options of neoplasms that occurs in sun-exposed areas. METHODS: The authors present the clinical, immunocytochemical characteristic of primary and secondary skin localization of a neuroendocrine tumor that affected a woman. RESULTS: Histological and immunocytochemical analysis demonstrated that the secondary cutaneous localization appeared to be compared to the primary tumour. CONCLUSIONS: The case confirm the high incidence of regional metastasis; a wide surgical excision of tumor and regional lymphadenectomy is therefore recommended for primary treatment of MCC; the radiation treatment minimized the local recidives with long time survival.