Merkel cell carcinoma or MCC is a rare skin cancer type that usually develops in the skin’s outermost layer, or the epidermis, close to the nerve endings. This skin cancer type usually has a swift progression, and treatment can be difficult once the malignancy spreads beyond the skin to other bodily structures.
MCC can usually be detected at first as a discolored lump or small bump on the skin in areas that get frequent sun exposure. Experts also call it neuroendocrine skin carcinoma or trabecular carcinoma.
In this article, we’ll cover the basics of this malignancy. We’ll discuss the skin cancer’s symptoms, most prevalent causes, diagnostic methods, as well as Merkel cell carcinoma treatment options, prevention, and outlook.
Also, feel free to reach out to Dr. Omar Rashid after reading the article if you have any questions or concerns about the condition to learn more.
Who Can Get Merkel Cell Carcinoma?
The truth is that everyone can develop this condition. However, those who are at higher risk of getting this malignancy:
- Have light-colored skin tones
- Are above the age of 50
- Are male
- Spend a lot of time exposed to the sun outdoors
- Use tanning beds
- Use ultraviolet light therapy for conditions such as psoriasis
- Already have a different type of skin cancer
As said before, MCC is a rare skin cancer with the incidence of development being about 0.6 per 100,000 people each year in the US. On a more alarming side, this statistic is four times higher than it was almost four decades ago. However, we should also add that diagnostic methods have greatly improved since then. Additionally, the country’s population is also getting older, and there are more immunosuppressant meds than there were in the 80s.
Experts estimate that around 700 people die from this rare skin cancer each year, with the death rate being around one in three. In comparison, Melanoma (another dangerous skin cancer type) has fatal consequences in about one in nine patients yearly.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma Symptoms and Causes
As of now, experts aren’t exactly sure what causes this skin cancer type. So far, research data shows that this malignancy is more likely to develop in patients who are frequently exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet light, use tanning beds often, and receive certain treatment options for psoriasis.
Those who have a weak immune system may also be at higher risk. A suppressed immune system may be the result of several factors. Some of them include:
- HIV infections.
- Specific medications taken after getting an organ transplant.
- Specific blood cancer types like LLC or chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
- Those who get infected with MCV (Merkel cell polyomavirus may also be at higher risk. However, these infections are rather common, and most patients won’t get MCC.
When talking about symptoms, most of the time, this rare skin cancer type only causes a purplish or reddish bump or lump. These bumps are painless and tend to form in areas that are exposed to sunlight, such as the hands, arms, neck, and face.
In less frequent cases, these bumps may occur inside the esophagus or the nostrils. Sometimes, the bumps and lumps can bleed when they crack open.
MCC Diagnosis
This skin cancer will be diagnosed through a skin biopsy in most cases. During this type of physical examination, the doctor will remove some skin tissue from the lump. After that, they will send it to other experts who will further examine it in a laboratory.
Additionally, the doctor may also perform a biopsy of the lymph nodes to see whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. This procedure takes a small tissue sample of the nearest lymph nodes to the suspected bump.
Doctors may use imaging tests to see whether this malignancy has spread in other cases.
These can include:
- MRI scans: Magnetic resonance imaging uses magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the internal body.
- CT scans: Computed tomography uses X-rays to create internal body pictures.
- PET scans: Positron emission tomography scans use small amounts of radioactive materials for the identification of cancer cells in the body.
MCC Treatment
The skin cancer treatment strategy will depend on the condition’s state. The sooner your doctor manages to diagnose that cancer, the less demanding the treatment will be.
Usually, treatment for the malignancy involves a combination of several methods, such as:
- Surgery, where oncology surgeons cut out the malignant tissues. Experts usually perform Moh’s micrographic surgery, which is a therapy where the skin is removed layer-by-layer while saving the skin’s appearance and function. This can be especially important for those patients who have this malignancy on their faces.
- Immunotherapy. This method uses certain medications that strengthen your immune system in the fight against MCC.
- Chemotherapy is another method that uses specific drugs to kill cancer cells. This was among the most prevalent treatment options in the past, but the end results weren’t often long-lasting.
- Radiation therapy uses highly charged particles that can kill malignant cells. The method is often recommended in combination with surgery to improve the outcome.
Adequate and swift treatment is key in the case of MCC because cancer metastasizes fast, and when the tumorous cells have spread to other structures, the disease becomes a lot more difficult to treat. Also, this rare skin cancer type also has the tendency to come back after treatment. The outcome of the disease may also be fatal, with the mortality rate of MMC hovering between 33 to 46 percent.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma Prevention
Unfortunately, people can’t prevent the disease, only reducing the likelihood of developing it. First and foremost, this can be achieved by adequately protecting your skiing from UV (ultraviolet) light. Adequate protection may include:
- Using appropriate sunblock products when outside (applying and reapplying them if necessary)
- Wearing protective clothing when outside
- Limiting sunlight exposure
- Limiting or avoiding sunlamp or tanning bed use altogether
- Self-examine your skin for any changes and visit a doctor if experiencing something out of the ordinary
Living with MCC and Outlook
As mentioned earlier, this rare skin cancer type can be rather aggressive and hard to treat if caught after it starts spreading. However, most patients will fully recover where the disease is detected early.
Those who have the disease will want to know whether the condition has spread, the best available treatments, the chances of recurrence, and the options for best post-treatment strategies.
These (valid questions) can sometimes be difficult to answer, and doctors can’t generalize the outcomes. Every patient is an individual case and as such, the best options will vary for every case.
Reach out to a Professional
Prevention strategies can be your best ally to catch the disease in time before it spreads. That’s why it’s imperative that you use appropriate sun protection whenever outside for prolonged amounts of time. Also, check your skin regularly for changes. When you experience persistent alterations, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
Lastly, if you want to learn more about MCC treatments and other related questions, don’t hesitate to contact our practice.