Merkel Cell Carcinoma (2024)

FAQs

What is the survival rate for Merkel cell carcinoma? ›

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 5 years after diagnosis. The outcomes tend to be worse if the cancer spreads; thus, early detection and treatment are important.

While MCC is about three to five times more likely to be deadly than melanoma, with early detection, MCC can be treated successfully. If you think you might have MCC, see your doctor. Treatment becomes increasingly difficult once the disease has spread, but new options are now available.

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.

Merkel cell carcinoma tends to travel first to nearby lymph nodes. Later it may spread to your brain, bones, liver or lungs, where it can interfere with the functioning of these organs. Cancer that has metastasized is more difficult to treat and can be fatal.

The mean latency from the primary tumor diagnosis to systemic metastasis was 2.1 years and the mean latency between the radiologic diagnosis of the metastases and death was 299 days. Metastases were recorded in several organ systems in most of the cases, and at least two separate metastatic sites in 63% of the cases.

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.

Because Merkel cell carcinomas can mimic other skin appearances, it has a high risk of being misdiagnosed. About 56% of Merkel cell carcinomas are thought to be noncancerous when first examined. 4 They can easily be mistaken for cysts or infected hair follicles.

Age is a risk factor for most types of cancer, including MCC. The average age of diagnosis of MCC is around 70 years old.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive neuroendocrine tumor of the skin with increasing incidence. It most frequently presents on the head and neck region of elderly, white males.

What virus causes Merkel cell carcinoma? ›

The Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV)

The virus was found in 8 of 10 tumors tested, and was associated with the DNA of the tumor cells in such a way to suggest that it is involved in the development of MCC.

Researchers don't yet know all of the DNA changes that can result in MCC, but they have found that many of these cancers have changes in tumor suppressor genes. MCC does not seem to run in families, so the DNA changes that lead to MCC are not likely passed on (inherited) from a person's parents.

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.

Blood tests

People with MCC might also have their blood tested for antibodies to the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) around the time they start treatment. For people who have antibodies to MCV, the levels should fall over time if treatment is working.

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.

MCC is a fatal disease, and patients have a poor chance of survival. Moreover, MCC lacks distinguishing clinical features, and thus by the time the diagnosis is made, the tumour usually have metastasized. MCC mainly affects sun-exposed areas of elderly persons.

First, some good news: Merkel cell cancer is exceptionally uncommon. Roughly 1,600 cases occur in the US annually.

Age is a risk factor for most types of cancer, including MCC. The average age of diagnosis of MCC is around 70 years old.