It’s difficult to assess the true Merkel cell carcinoma survival rate due to the rarity of the disease. When studying outcomes, researchers have been able to track the experiences of only a few individuals. Additionally, many of these patients were diagnosed several years ago, when treatments were not as advanced as they are today. As a result, there’s no accurate way to predict any patient’s specific outcome.
What research does tell us is that:
- Outcomes are best when there is no lymph node involvement at the time of diagnosis. Because Merkel cell carcinoma is quick to spread, patients should promptly report any unusual symptoms to a physician to accelerate the diagnostic process.
- Because a virus may play a role in the development of Merkel cell carcinoma, researchers believe that the cancer might respond favorably to treatments that utilize the body’s immune system. New drugs that target hormone-producing cells also show promise in the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma. However, these options are not yet offered on a widespread basis. As a result, patients may wish to seek treatment at a facility that offers clinical trials for skin cancer.
- Recurrence is always a possibility, but early detection can increase the scope of viable treatment options. Survivors must be diligent about regular self-exams and professional check-ups to increase the likelihood of early detection.
- Some treatments can cause serious side effects without having a significant impact on a tumor. A skilled oncologist can help a patient choose the options that are best for his or her prognosis and ensure the best possible quality of life.
- The five-year survival rate for Merkel cell carcinoma is improving. Patients with localized Merkel cell carcinoma have a 78% survival rate while those whose cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other nearby structures have a 52% survival rate. (It should be noted that survival rates for cancer are simply estimates and based on a large number of people. They should not be used to predict the success rate of any one patient’s cancer diagnosis.)
Merkel cell carcinoma treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center
At Moffitt Cancer Center, our expert oncologists take a comprehensive approach to Merkel cell carcinoma treatment. Skilled professionals from numerous disciplines (e.g., surgery, radiation therapy and supportive care) come together to review each patient’s case and develop a highly individualized treatment plan. Moffitt’s patients have access to a wide range of options, including clinical trials. And, behind the scenes, our dedicated researchers are continually evaluating new treatments that could ultimately improve the Merkel cell carcinoma survival rate.
Patients can make an appointment at Moffitt with or without referrals. To schedule a visit, call 1-888-663-3488or submit a new patient registration form online.
FAQs
When Merkel cell carcinoma is discovered and treated early and hasn't spread to other parts of the body, about 75% of people live for at least five years after diagnosis. The outcomes tend to be worse if the cancer spreads; thus, early detection and treatment are important.
How aggressive is Merkel cell carcinoma? ›
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive type of skin cancer that can be life-threatening. The cancer affects your skin's outer layer, or epidermis. It often spreads to lymph nodes and organs. UV light exposure, a weak immune system, age and viral infection may cause this cancer.
How quickly does Merkel cell carcinoma spread? ›
A physical exam may reveal a new skin lesion, an enlarged lymph node or an enlarged liver that may signal the spread of MCC. A lesion of metastatic MCC may appear as a 1-3 cm, flesh-colored to red-purple bump that feels firm, is deeper compared to the primary lesion, and grows rapidly over a period of 2-4 weeks.
Where is the most common site of Merkel cell carcinoma? ›
Most Merkel cell carcinomas appear on the face, head or neck, but they can develop anywhere on your body, even on areas not exposed to sunlight.
Can Merkel cell carcinoma be cured? ›
Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment. Merkel cell carcinoma is frequently curable with surgical and nonsurgical therapies, particularly if caught early. Treatments are often highly individualized, depending on a patient's general health, as well as the tumor's location, size, depth, and degree of spread.
How long did Jimmy Buffett have Merkel cell carcinoma? ›
Asgari, MD, MPH, shares details about one of the most dangerous types of skin cancer. After battling skin cancer for four years before his death, "Margaritaville" singer Jimmy Buffett died on September 1, 2023, at age 76, from Merkel cell carcinoma, according to his website.
Do you feel ill with Merkel cell carcinoma? ›
This aggressive skin cancer can look like a rapidly growing stye or cyst. Unlike a stye or cyst, Merkel cell carcinoma often feels painless.
What does early Merkel cell carcinoma look like? ›
MCC usually develops on sun-exposed skin (e.g., head, neck, arms) as a painless, firm bump that can be red-purple or skin-colored. Patients frequently point out a new MCC to their doctor because a bump is growing rapidly and/or does not look like anything the patient has ever had before.
What virus causes Merkel cell carcinoma? ›
Around 80% of cases of Merkel cell cancer in the U.S. are caused by infection by a virus called Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). MCPyV is a common virus; roughly 60% to 80% of people have been infected by it. The virus often infects the skin, though it can also infect other organs.
What is stage 4 Merkel cell carcinoma? ›
The tumor has spread to skin that is not close to the primary tumor or to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lung, bone, or brain.
If you can feel the softness of silk or the fuzziness of a peach, you can definitely thank your Merkel cells, scientists say. A new study confirms what researchers have long suspected—that cells in the skin called Merkel cells are essential to the sense of light touch.
What age do people get Merkel cell carcinoma? ›
Most Americans diagnosed with MCC are older than age 70. And men are more likely to have it than women. More than 9 out of 10 Americans diagnosed with MCC are White.
What mimics Merkel cell carcinoma? ›
MCC can be confused histologically with lymphoma, melanoma, undifferentiated squamous cell carcinoma, eccrine sweat gland carcinoma, neuroblastoma, Ewing's sarcoma, leukemic infiltrates, and metastatic small cell carcinoma of the lung.
Does anyone survive Merkel cell carcinoma? ›
Patients with localized Merkel cell carcinoma have a 78% survival rate while those whose cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other nearby structures have a 52% survival rate. (It should be noted that survival rates for cancer are simply estimates and based on a large number of people.
How long does it take Merkel cell to metastasize? ›
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive form of skin cancer with a high risk for returning (recurring) and spreading (metastasizing), often within two to three years after initial diagnosis.
Is Merkel cell more aggressive than melanoma? ›
Merkel cell carcinoma is more deadly than melanoma, with approximately 1/3 of all diagnosed patients dying from the disease. It most often occurs in the elderly or those with a weakened immune system. It appears as a rapidly growing, non painful red nodule that can quickly metastasize.
What is the severity of Merkel cell carcinoma? ›
MCC is a rare, aggressive skin cancer that often has local or distant metastatic spread at the time of diagnosis. Prognosis is poor and is dependent on the stage at presentation, with five-year overall survival estimates of 51%, 35%, and 14% being reported for local, nodal, and distant disease, respectively.
Is Merkel cell carcinoma terminal? ›
Although Merkel cell carcinoma is one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer, the majority (75%) of people survive five years or more after diagnosis when the cancer has not spread.
How many people in the US have Merkel cell carcinoma? ›
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a type of skin cancer, but it's not common. About 3,000 people are diagnosed with MCC in the United States each year.
