What Is Merkel Cell Carcinoma?
Merkel cell carcinoma is also known as neuroendocrine cancer of the skin and trabecular cancer. It is a rare cancer that develops on or just beneath the skin and in the hair follicles.
Although Merkel cell carcinoma usually affects people who are more than 70 years of age, it can affect people of all ages. The majority of patients with the disease are white, and it affects more men than women.
- Merkel cell carcinoma can develop quickly in people who have had an organ transplant and are taking drugs to suppress their immune system (immunosuppressives)
- Exposure to arsenic may increase the risk for Merkel cell carcinoma
- Exposure to sunlight may play a role in the development of this cancer because the disease usually occurs on the face, head, and neck.
Symptoms of Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Merkel cell carcinoma usually appears as firm, painless, shiny skin lumps (nodules) or tumors. The lumps are usually red, pink, or blue, and vary in size ranging from less than a quarter of an inch to more than 2 inches. About half of all Merkel cell carcinomas occur on the sun-exposed areas of the head and neck, and one-third of all Merkel cell carcinomas occur on the arms and legs. However, the disease may also begin on other parts of the body, such as the torso.
Merkel cell carcinoma is difficult to diagnose, because Merkel cells often resemble cells that are found in other types of cancer, especially some
types of lung cancer. In order to diagnose a person with Merkel cell carcinoma, the healthcare provider will need to:
- Perform a biopsy
- Check the skin and examine the lymph nodes for signs of swelling
- Take a blood cell count
- Order a liver function test
- Order a CT scan.
