Merkel Cell Carcinoma - What is it?

The following information was taken from a flyer created by merkel cell patients. This grassroots effort is to make people aware of a disease that can often go undetected/ignored until it is too late. To see this graphic flyer, download it at the merkel cell carcinoma website [under "News - April 2008"] from the University of Washington, Seattle. A big thanks to Dr. Paul Ngheim and his colleagues there for their research efforts and commitment to finding out more about this cancer and, ultimately, a cure.

What is Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC)?

MCC, also referred to as neuroendocrine carcinoma, arises from uncontrolled growth of Merkel cells in the skin. It is a rare skin cancer with an incidence of about 1500 US cases per year, and this number is continuing to increase. MCC will prove fatal in roughly 1/3 of patients and should receive immediate treatment. MCC primarily occurs on highly sun-exposed skin such as the head/neck and arms, but it can occur anywhere on the body, including sun-protected areas.

What does MCC look like?

MCC usually develops on sun-exposed skin as a firm, painless, flesh-colored to red-violet bump. The initial small bump tends to grow rapidly over weeks to months.

Who gets MCC?

Individuals over the age of 65 are far more likely to develop MCC. Fair skin and a history of extensive sun exposure also increase the chances. MCC is associated with weakened immune function, such as in patients with HIV or organ transplants. However, most people who get MCC are not immune suppressed.

What makes MCC so deadly?

MCC is different from other skin cancers in that it grows rapidly over a few weeks or months. it often spreads to regional lymphnodes and to the liver, bone, lungs and brain. The best treatment for MCC is still controversial and often times involves a combination of radiation, surgery and in advanced disease, chemotherapy. Half of patients with advanced MCC will live only 9 months. The disease recurs in about 50% of patients.

AEIOU features of MCC:

• Asymptomatic (non-tender)
  
• Expanding Rapidly
  
• Immune suppression
  
• Older than age 50
  
• UV exposed/fair skin