Merkel cell carcinoma and multiple basal cell carcinoma in an African albino woman with HIV infection.

A 25-year-old HIV-infected African albino woman developed an aggressive Merkel cell carcinoma on her face and at least 10 basal cell carcinomas, mainly on sun-exposed parts of her body. HIV infection, immune deficiency and sun exposure are known risk factors for the development of Merkel cell carcinoma. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were only temporarily successful. She died shortly after surgery was performed to remove the tumour.