Print Page

Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Statistics, Risk Factors, Treatment

Author: Thomas C. Weiss
Published: 2015/02/20 - Updated: 2023/01/30
Topic: Melanoma Skin Cancer (Publications Database)

Page Content: Synopsis Introduction Main Item

Synopsis: Information regarding Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) an uncommon form of skin cancer that starts when Merkel cells grow out of control. Merkel cells are a type of neuroendocrine cell, sometimes referred to as 'neuroendocrine carcinoma' of a person's skin. It is essential to have any new, growing, or changing bumps, lumps, or spots on your skin checked by a doctor as soon as possible so the cause can be found and so they may be treated if needed.

Introduction

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon form of skin cancer that begins when Merkel cells grow out of control. Merkel cells are a type of neuroendocrine cell called 'neuroendocrine carcinoma' of a person's skin. Another name for MCC is, 'trabecular carcinoma.' MCC is far less common than most other forms of skin cancer, although it is one of the most dangerous. It is much more likely than common cancers to spread to other parts of a person's body if it is not caught early, and it may be tough to treat if it has spread.

The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) has included Merkel Cell Carcinoma with metastases as a Compassionate Allowance to expedite a disability claim.

Main Item

Exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) Light

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is thought to be a major risk factor for most skin cancers, including MCC. UV rays damage the DNA inside skin cells. This can result in skin cancers if this damage affects the DNA of genes that control skin cell growth. There are three main types of UV rays:

UVA and UVB rays can damage a person's skin and cause skin cancer. UVB rays are the more potent ones, causing some skin cancers. Based on what is now known - there are no safe UV rays. Sunlight is the main source of UV rays. Most MCCs begin in areas of a person's body exposed to the sun, such as arms, neck, and face. People who receive a lot of sun exposure are at increased risk of Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs). Even though UVA and UVB rays make up only a small portion of the sun's rays, they are the main cause of the damaging effects of the sun on a person's skin.

A Weakened Immune System

A person's immune system defends the body against germs such as viruses. It also appears to help the body fight some skin cancers and other organs. People who have weakened immune systems are more likely to develop some forms of skin cancers, including MCCs.

For example, people who receive organ transplants are usually administered medications that weaken their immune system to prevent their body from rejecting the new organ, increasing their risk of developing MCC. People with autoimmune diseases such as lupus at times take medications that suppress their immune system, something that may also increase their risk of MCC.

People with some blood cancers, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or certain lymphomas, also tend to have weakened immune systems. A weakened immune system may be from cancer itself or cancer treatment. People with these cancers are at greater risk of getting MCC. MCCs in people with weakened immune systems tend to grow faster and are more likely to be life-threatening.

Signs and Symptoms of Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) usually begin on areas of skin that have been exposed to the sun - particularly a person's face, neck, arms, and legs. MCCs may also occur anywhere on a person's body. MCCs often appear as a single pink, red, or purple bump that is not painful. The skin on top of the tumor may break open and bleed.

MCCs can increase. They may spread as new lumps in the person's surrounding skin. MCCs might also reach nearby lymph nodes. If left alone long enough, the lymph nodes grow larger - something that at times can be felt or seen as lumps under the person's skin. When it first appears, Merkel cell carcinoma is not common and may look like several other, more common forms of skin cancer or skin issues. Due to this reason, doctors do not usually suspect MCC at first, and the diagnosis is often made only after the tumor has been biopsied.

It is essential to have any new, growing, or changing bumps, lumps, or spots on your skin checked by a doctor as soon as possible so the cause can be found and they may be treated if needed. The earlier skin cancer is found, the more likely it is cancer may be treated effectively.

Treatment of Merkel Cell Carcinomas

After a person has been diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) and staged, their cancer care team will discuss available treatment options. Depending upon the person's situation, they might have different types of doctors on their treatment team. The doctors on the team may include:

Several other specialists might be involved in the person's care, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nutrition specialists, nurses, social workers, and other health care professionals. Based on the stage of cancer the person is experiencing and other factors, their treatment options may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgery. At times, more than one type of treatment is used.

a person with MCC needs to discuss their treatment options and potential side effects with their treatment team to help make the decision that best fits the person's needs. If there is anything the person does not understand, it is important to have it explained to them. MCC is not common, so most doctors are probably not likely to have either seen or treated people with it. Even at major medical centers where doctors are more likely to experience Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs), not every doctor will agree on the best way to treat MCC. If there is enough time, receiving a second opinion from a team of experts is many times a good idea.

Author Credentials:

Thomas C. Weiss is a researcher and editor for Disabled World. Thomas attended college and university courses earning a Masters, Bachelors and two Associate degrees, as well as pursing Disability Studies. As a Nursing Assistant Thomas has assisted people from a variety of racial, religious, gender, class, and age groups by providing care for people with all forms of disabilities from Multiple Sclerosis to Parkinson's; para and quadriplegia to Spina Bifida. Explore for comprehensive insights into his background, expertise, and accomplishments.

Explore Similar Topics

1 - - Millennials lack knowledge about importance of sunscreen and continue to tan outdoors in part because of low self-esteem and high rates of narcissism that fuel addictive tanning behavior.

2 - - General information regarding Mycosis Fungoides including stages and current treatment options.

3 - - Information regarding Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) an uncommon form of skin cancer that starts when Merkel cells grow out of control.

Complete Publications Database

Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer

Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Weiss, T. C. (2015, February 20 - Last revised: 2023, January 30). Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Statistics, Risk Factors, Treatment. Disabled World. Retrieved November 13, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/health/cancer/melanoma/mcc.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/health/cancer/melanoma/mcc.php">Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Statistics, Risk Factors, Treatment</a>: Information regarding Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) an uncommon form of skin cancer that starts when Merkel cells grow out of control.

Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.