Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive and rare form of skin cancer. This medical condition is also known by other names such as neuroendocrine carcinoma and trabecular carcinoma of the skin. Patients with Merkel cell carcinoma typically experience tumor growth in the Merkel cells. The Merkel cells are neuroendocrine cells inside the top skin layer and are located close to the nerves that are responsible for transmitting the touch sensation. Merkel cells often grow uncontrollably in cases of MCC.
People with Merkel cell carcinoma typically develop nodules in the skin that are shiny with a blue or red coloration. A Merkel cell carcinoma may begin with changes to an existing mole or a new skin growth and may have a cyst-like appearance. The growths are usually less than three quarters of an inch (about 2 cm) in size, painless and firm to the touch. Common locations for these carcinomas include the head, neck and face.
Exposure of the skin to natural sunlight, light from tanning beds and other artificial lighting can increase a person’s risk of developing a Merkel cell carcinoma in many cases. People with a history of other kinds of skin cancer are usually more susceptible to this kind of carcinoma. Some individuals with weakened immune systems, especially those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, generally have a greater chance of getting this type of skin cancer. People over the age of 70 and light-skinned individuals are usually more likely to develop Merkel cell carcinoma.
In many cases, physicians use a careful examination of a patient’s skin to help them diagnose cases of Merkel cell skin cancer. Freckles, pigmented spots and abnormal growths are often studied for signs of the disease. Some doctors perform a biopsy of a skin growth to remove part or all of a tumor and have the biopsy sample analyzed for cancer tumors. A biopsy of a patient’s lymph nodes may also be performed to see if cancer has metastasized or spread to other parts of the body. Medical imaging tests such as x-rays or computerized tomography (CT) scans can identify metastasized tumors in some cases.
Physicians may treat Merkel cell skin cancer tumors with surgical removal of the tumor as well as removal of some nearby lymph nodes that appear to be cancerous. In addition to surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may also be used to treat some cases of Merkel cell cancer. Doctors typically recommend an individualized treatment program for patients with this type of cancer depending on a patient’s overall health, age and a tumor’s location. In some instances, cancer may spread to other organs, such as the liver or brain, where its treatment may be more difficult.
