Merkel-cell carcinoma
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| Merkel-cell carcinoma | |
|---|---|
| Micrograph of Merkel-cell carcinoma | |
| Synonyms | Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin, Trabecular carcinoma of the skin |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Painless, firm, shiny skin nodule |
| Complications | Metastasis |
| Onset | Typically after age 50 |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Merkel cell polyomavirus, Ultraviolet light exposure |
| Risks | Immunosuppression, fair skin, excessive sun exposure |
| Diagnosis | Biopsy and histopathology |
| Differential diagnosis | Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, Melanoma |
| Prevention | Sun protection, avoidance of immunosuppression |
| Treatment | Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, depends on stage |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Merkel-cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive type of skin cancer that usually appears as a flesh-colored or bluish-red nodule, often on your face, head or neck. Merkel-cell carcinoma is also called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin.
Causes[edit]
MCC is believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including long-term sun exposure and a weakened immune system. The Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is also associated with most cases of MCC.
Symptoms[edit]
The most common symptom of MCC is a fast-growing, painless nodule (bump) on your skin. The nodule may be skin-colored or may appear in shades of red, blue or purple. Most often, the nodule will appear on a sun-exposed area, such as your face, neck or scalp.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of MCC often involves a skin biopsy, where a sample of the suspicious skin is removed and examined under a microscope. Other tests, such as imaging tests and sentinel lymph node biopsy, may also be used to determine the extent of the cancer.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment options for MCC include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be used. Immunotherapy is a newer treatment option that uses the body's immune system to fight the cancer.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for MCC varies greatly depending on the stage of the disease at diagnosis. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
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