When cancer cells develop on or under skin and hair follicles, this is referred to as Merkel cell carcinoma. This eMedTV resource discusses who usually gets this disease, possible symptoms, and the likelihood of it spreading to other body parts.
As this page of the eMedTV archives explains, the exact causes of Merkel cell carcinoma are still being investigated, and may be linked to risk factors such as arsenic exposure, immunosuppressive drugs, and exposure to sunlight.
Symptoms of Merkel cell carcinoma often include firm, shiny lumps or tumors that are red, blue, or pink. This eMedTV article describes these symptoms in detail, including the body parts most susceptible to the condition.
Diagnosing Merkel cell carcinoma usually requires a few different tests, which this eMedTV segment explains. Common tests include biopsy, skin exam, blood tests, and a CT scan.
Merkel cell carcinoma stages include stage I, stage II, stage III, and recurrent Merkel cell carcinoma. This eMedTV resource explains how the stages differ from one another and affect a person's treatment options.
Treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. This eMedTV Web page describes these options in detail and how the right treatment depends on several factors, such as the patient's age and overall health.
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