Detailed Information on Merkel Cell Cancer

Merkel Cell Cancer also known as Merkel cell carcinoma. MCC sometimes referred to as a neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin, arises from the uncontrolled growth of Merkel cells in the skin. Merkel cell carcinoma frequently appears as firm, painless, shiny lumps of skin. These lumps or tumors can be red, pink, or blue in color and vary in size from less than a quarter of an inch to more than two inches. Merkel cell carcinoma tends to spread fastly (metastasize) to other parts of your body. Merkel cell carcinoma is generally found on the sun-exposed areas of the head, neck, arms, and legs.

This type of cancer occurs mostly in whites between 60 and 80 years of age, but it can arise in people of other races and ages as well. Long-term sun exposure or having a weak immune system may augment your risk of developing Merkel cell carcinoma. The first sign of Merkel cell carcinoma is a fast-growing, painless nodule (tumor) on your skin. The shiny nodule may be skin colored or may seem in shades of red, blue or purple. If the skin cancer has spread to other parts of your body, you may experience swollen lymph nodes, pain or fatigue. MCC appears to be related to sun exposure and immunosuppression.

Sun exposure as a risk factor for MCC is supported by data that explain a rise in incidence corresponding with the solar UVB index. MCC has been associated to conditions such as Human immunodeficiency virus infection, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma (cancer of the lymph system), ectodermal dysplasia (an illness involving abnormal tissue development), and Cowden disease (a disease in which masses of abnormal but benign tissues develop in multiple sites in the body). Surgery is the most common treatment for MCC. Surgery with broad margins is the recommended treatment for MCC.

Mohs micrographic surgery, a method in which individual layers of tissue are removed and examined under a microscope until all cancerous tissue has been removed, may be used instead of traditional surgery with extensive margins. Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy the cancer cells or prevent them from dividing. Prevention is better than cure. Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater when you head outdoors. Avoid sun exposure as much as likely from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, tightly woven clothing and sunglasses with ultraviolet light (UV) protection.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for beauty tips. She also writes articles for new hairstyles.