Materiały źródłowe

• #1 What Is Merkel Cell Carcinoma? | American Cancer Society

  https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/merkel-cell-skin-cancer/about/what-is-merkel-cell-carcinoma.html

  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare type of skin cancer. Merkel cell skin cancer (carcinoma) starts when the Merkel cells in the skin start to grow out of control. It tends to grow quickly and can spread to other parts of the body. […] Merkel cell tumors often look like firm, pink, red, or purple lumps or bumps on the skin. They usually don’t hurt, but they tend to grow quickly and can sometimes open up as ulcers or sores (see Signs and Symptoms of Merkel Cell Carcinoma). […] MCC is much less common than most other types of skin cancer, but it’s one of the most dangerous types. It’s much more likely than common skin cancers (squamous and basal cell skin cancers) to spread to other parts of the body, and it can be hard to treat if it has spread.

• #2 Merkel Cell Carcinoma | Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment | MedStar Health

  https://www.medstarhealth.org/services/merkel-cell-carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer that can grow quickly and spread rapidly to lymph nodes and other parts of the body. […] The most common warning sign is a shiny, painless nodule on the skin. Many people with Merkel cell carcinoma seek care after noticing a small, shiny pimple-like bump that grows. […] It’s important to remember that this cancer can look different for everyone. In general, you should talk to your primary care doctor or dermatologist if you notice a change to your skin, such as a lesion or bump that expands quickly over weeks or months. […] Early detection significantly improves Merkel cell carcinoma survival rates, so seek care as soon as you notice a bump, freckle, or mole that looks unusual. Even if it ends up being nothing, it’s always better to know rather than to wait and risk it being something serious.

• #3 Merkel Cell Carcinoma

  https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/

  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. […] Approximately 3,000 new cases of Merkel cell skin cancer are diagnosed annually in the U.S. About 40 percent of cases recur. […] MCC tumors often, but not always, appear on sun-exposed areas of the body. The tumors are not nearly as distinctive as other skin cancers and can appear as a pearly pimple-like lump, sometimes skin-colored, red, purple or bluish-red, though they are rarely tender to the touch. The rapid speed at which they grow is what often causes patients and doctors to take notice. […] 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. Thanks to advances in the field of immunotherapy, MCC survival rates are improving.

• #4 Merkel Cell Carcinoma

  https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/

  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. […] Approximately 3,000 new cases of Merkel cell skin cancer are diagnosed annually in the U.S. About 40 percent of cases recur. […] MCC tumors often, but not always, appear on sun-exposed areas of the body. The tumors are not nearly as distinctive as other skin cancers and can appear as a pearly pimple-like lump, sometimes skin-colored, red, purple or bluish-red, though they are rarely tender to the touch. The rapid speed at which they grow is what often causes patients and doctors to take notice. […] 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. Thanks to advances in the field of immunotherapy, MCC survival rates are improving.

• #5 Merkel Cell Carcinoma | Merkel Cell Skin Cancer | Diagnosis and Treatment | University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center

  https://www.rogelcancercenter.org/skin-cancer/merkel-cell

  Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and potentially aggressive form of skin cancer. Though the cancer can grow and spread rapidly, it is highly treatable and curable if caught in the early stages. […] Merkel cell carcinoma typically presents as a reddish or purple bump that can occur anywhere on the body, but is predominantly found in sun-exposed areas such as the head, neck, arms and legs. The risk of having the disease increases with age, and 95% of patients are over the age of 50. Being fair-skinned or immunosuppressed also increases your risk. […] Treatment usually includes surgery to remove the tumor and biopsy of a lymph node (called a sentinel lymph node biopsy) to find out whether the cancer has spread. This is typically done under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Radiation therapy to the skin and/or lymph nodes may also be indicated for patients who have high-risk lesions. Patients whose cancer has spread beyond their lymph nodes into their organs may need systemic therapy.

• #6 Merkel Cell Carcinoma

  https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/

  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. […] Approximately 3,000 new cases of Merkel cell skin cancer are diagnosed annually in the U.S. About 40 percent of cases recur. […] MCC tumors often, but not always, appear on sun-exposed areas of the body. The tumors are not nearly as distinctive as other skin cancers and can appear as a pearly pimple-like lump, sometimes skin-colored, red, purple or bluish-red, though they are rarely tender to the touch. The rapid speed at which they grow is what often causes patients and doctors to take notice. […] 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. Thanks to advances in the field of immunotherapy, MCC survival rates are improving.

• #7 Merkel cell carcinoma

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6054450/

  Owing to the nonspecific presentation, clinical diagnosis of MCC is often delayed. […] The acronym AEIOU has been used to recall relevant clinical features of MCC and the patient: asymptomatic, expanding rapidly, immunosuppressed, 50 years of age and UV-exposed. […] Local or distant recurrences usually occur within the first 2-3 years after initial diagnosis; thus, patients whose cancer has not recurred by 3 years are at substantially diminished risk of recurrence.

• #8 Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Symptoms, Causes, Stages & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17971-merkel-cell-carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive type of skin cancer that can be life-threatening. The cancer affects your skins outer layer, or epidermis. It often spreads to lymph nodes and organs. […] Merkel cell carcinoma tends to spread quickly to other parts of your body and often comes back after treatment. […] Tumors from Merkel cell carcinoma typically appear on sun-exposed areas of skin. You may notice a shiny or pearly lump on an area of skin that gets a lot of sun exposure. […] The lumps most commonly appear on your face, neck, arms or eyelids. […] Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive cancer that spreads quickly to other parts of your body. When cancer spreads from its primary site, you have metastatic cancer. […] Merkel cell carcinoma most commonly spreads to your lymphatic system (lymph nodes) first. From there, it may spread to other parts of your body like your bones, lungs, brain or other organs. Merkel cell carcinoma can be fatal. […] Merkel cell carcinoma often returns after treatment. You may need to see your healthcare provider every three to four months for the first several years and get imaging scans to check for cancer recurrence.

• #9 Signs and Symptoms of Merkel Cell Carcinoma | American Cancer Society

  https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/merkel-cell-skin-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html

  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) usually starts on areas of skin exposed to the sun, especially the face, neck, arms, and legs, but it can occur anywhere on the body. […] The first sign of Merkel cell carcinoma is often a single pink, red, or purple shiny bump that usually doesn’t hurt. Sometimes the skin on the top of the tumor breaks open and bleeds. […] These tumors tend to grow quickly. They might spread as new lumps in the nearby skin. They might also reach nearby lymph nodes (small collections of immune system cells throughout the body). Over time, the lymph nodes might grow large enough to be seen or felt as lumps under the skin (usually in the neck or under the arm). […] Its very important to have any new, growing, or changing lumps, bumps, or spots on your skin checked by a doctor as soon as possible, so that the cause can be found and treated, if needed. The earlier any type of skin cancer is found, the easier its likely to be to treat it.

• #10 Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Symptoms, Causes, Stages & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17971-merkel-cell-carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive type of skin cancer that can be life-threatening. The cancer affects your skins outer layer, or epidermis. It often spreads to lymph nodes and organs. […] Merkel cell carcinoma tends to spread quickly to other parts of your body and often comes back after treatment. […] Tumors from Merkel cell carcinoma typically appear on sun-exposed areas of skin. You may notice a shiny or pearly lump on an area of skin that gets a lot of sun exposure. […] The lumps most commonly appear on your face, neck, arms or eyelids. […] Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive cancer that spreads quickly to other parts of your body. When cancer spreads from its primary site, you have metastatic cancer. […] Merkel cell carcinoma most commonly spreads to your lymphatic system (lymph nodes) first. From there, it may spread to other parts of your body like your bones, lungs, brain or other organs. Merkel cell carcinoma can be fatal. […] Merkel cell carcinoma often returns after treatment. You may need to see your healthcare provider every three to four months for the first several years and get imaging scans to check for cancer recurrence.

• #11 Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) > Fact Sheets > Yale Medicine

  https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/merkel-cell-carcinoma-mcc

  Symptoms include a single, firm, painless, shiny, pink, red, or purple bump on the skin […] People who have Merkel cell carcinoma may notice a new bump on their skin that has some or all of the following qualities: Reddish-purple color (sometimes pinkish or bluish), Raised and rounded, like a dome, Hard to the touch, Painless, Shiny, smooth skin, Expanding in size over a short period of time. […] Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive form of skin cancer. The condition is most common among fair-skinned people of European ancestry, but can also affect individuals with a darker complexion. […] 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. But those numbers worsen if the cancer spreads regionally or to distant locations in the body, underlining the importance of early detection and treatment. […] 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.

• #12 Merkel cell carcinoma – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/merkel-cell-carcinoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351030

  Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer. It most often appears as a bump on the face, head or neck. […] The first symptom of Merkel cell carcinoma most often is a growth on the skin. This skin cancer can happen anywhere on the body. It happens most often on skin that typically gets sunlight. In white people, the growth is most likely to be on the head or neck. In Black people, the growth more often is on the legs. […] A Merkel cell carcinoma can cause: A bump on the skin that often is painless. A bump that grows quickly. A bump whose two sides don’t match. A bump that looks pink, purple, red-brown, or the same color as the skin around it. […] Merkel cell carcinoma tends to grow fast and to spread quickly to other parts of the body. Treatment may depend on whether the cancer has spread beyond the skin.

• #13 Signs and Symptoms of Merkel Cell Carcinoma | American Cancer Society

  https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/merkel-cell-skin-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html

  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) usually starts on areas of skin exposed to the sun, especially the face, neck, arms, and legs, but it can occur anywhere on the body. […] The first sign of Merkel cell carcinoma is often a single pink, red, or purple shiny bump that usually doesn’t hurt. Sometimes the skin on the top of the tumor breaks open and bleeds. […] These tumors tend to grow quickly. They might spread as new lumps in the nearby skin. They might also reach nearby lymph nodes (small collections of immune system cells throughout the body). Over time, the lymph nodes might grow large enough to be seen or felt as lumps under the skin (usually in the neck or under the arm). […] Its very important to have any new, growing, or changing lumps, bumps, or spots on your skin checked by a doctor as soon as possible, so that the cause can be found and treated, if needed. The earlier any type of skin cancer is found, the easier its likely to be to treat it.

• #14 Merkel cell carcinoma: Causes, symptoms, and treatment

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/merkel-cell-carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinoma usually develops on the face, neck, arms, and legs. […] Rarely, it may form in the esophagus or nose, but it tends to affect areas that have been exposed to significant levels of UV light over time. The symptoms of MCC can be similar to those of other, more common, types of skin cancer. However, MCC tumors tend to be firm and raised, may be pink, red, or purple, are typically painless but can open up, becoming painful, bleeding sores or ulcers, grow rapidly, may resemble insect bites, cysts, or styes, may spread, forming new, smaller lumps under the skin, may cause surrounding lymph nodes to swell, have an average diameter of 1.7 centimeters, about the same as a dime, may be dome-shaped, are almost never dark, as malignant melanoma tumors are, and are rarely scaly, as squamous cell carcinoma tumors are.

• #15 Merkel cell carcinoma: Causes, symptoms, and treatment

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/merkel-cell-carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinoma usually develops on the face, neck, arms, and legs. […] Rarely, it may form in the esophagus or nose, but it tends to affect areas that have been exposed to significant levels of UV light over time. The symptoms of MCC can be similar to those of other, more common, types of skin cancer. However, MCC tumors tend to be firm and raised, may be pink, red, or purple, are typically painless but can open up, becoming painful, bleeding sores or ulcers, grow rapidly, may resemble insect bites, cysts, or styes, may spread, forming new, smaller lumps under the skin, may cause surrounding lymph nodes to swell, have an average diameter of 1.7 centimeters, about the same as a dime, may be dome-shaped, are almost never dark, as malignant melanoma tumors are, and are rarely scaly, as squamous cell carcinoma tumors are.

• #16 Is it a Cyst or maybe Merkel Cell Carcinoma? – Melanoma Canada

  https://melanomacanada.ca/blog/is-it-a-cyst-or-maybe-merkel-cell-carcinoma/

  Some common signs of MCC include: […] Typically painless lumps that may turn into ulcers or sores, with the possibility of the skin breaking or bleeding. […] It is fast-growing about 63% of MCCs have grown significantly over the past 3 months. […] Most MCC (88%) are asymptomatic meaning that they are not tender or painful. […] Despite these signs being common indicators of MCC, it is essential to have any new, growing, or changing lesions or growths on your skin checked by a physician. […] This holds even more significance for MCC due to its rapid growth and high likelihood of spreading. […] Understanding how to identify MCC and where it’s typically found is essential. […] Despite this, it is important to remember that MCC can develop anywhere on the body. […] If you notice something unusual, or if a spot doesn’t heal, it’s time to consult your dermatologist or family doctor.

• #17 Merkel Cell Carcinoma – EyeWiki

  https://eyewiki.org/Merkel_Cell_Carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinomas often present as a painless solitary nodule with a „violaceous” (purple-red) hue, as seen in Figures 1-3. […] Heath et al proposed the mnemonic „AEIOU” for assistance with MCC diagnostic clarity: asymptomatic (lack of tenderness), expanding rapidly, immunosuppression, older than 50 years, and UV-exposed site. […] When involving the periocular area, MCC is most commonly located on the upper eyelid, near the eyelid margin. […] Unlike most benign entities, MCC (and other malignant lesions) often causes partial or complete madarosis (loss of eyelashes), as well as overlying telangiectatic vessels. […] At the time of diagnosis, up to 37% of patients have at least one affected node and 6-12% of patients already have metastatic disease. […] The prognosis of Merkel cell carcinoma is highly-dependent on the extent of disease at that time of diagnosis.

• #18 Skin cancer types: Merkel cell carcinoma signs & symptoms

  https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/common/merkel-cell/symptoms

  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare skin cancer that often looks harmless. People can mistake it for a: […] This skin cancer often develops on the head or neck and can look like a sore. […] Because MCC is so aggressive, finding it early can be life-saving. Key facts about this skin cancer that can help you find it early are that MCC tends to: […] Grow quickly: It usually becomes noticeably bigger in a few weeks to months. […] Be pink, red, or purple […] Feel painless […] Develop on the head or neck: While it can develop anywhere on the skin, it usually appears on skin thats gotten lots of sun over the years, such as the head or neck. […] Appear after 50 years of age: Research shows that 97% of people who develop this rare skin cancer are older than 50. Most people are in their 70s or 80s when diagnosed with MCC.

• #19 Is it a Cyst or maybe Merkel Cell Carcinoma? – Melanoma Canada

  https://melanomacanada.ca/blog/is-it-a-cyst-or-maybe-merkel-cell-carcinoma/

  Some common signs of MCC include: […] Typically painless lumps that may turn into ulcers or sores, with the possibility of the skin breaking or bleeding. […] It is fast-growing about 63% of MCCs have grown significantly over the past 3 months. […] Most MCC (88%) are asymptomatic meaning that they are not tender or painful. […] Despite these signs being common indicators of MCC, it is essential to have any new, growing, or changing lesions or growths on your skin checked by a physician. […] This holds even more significance for MCC due to its rapid growth and high likelihood of spreading. […] Understanding how to identify MCC and where it’s typically found is essential. […] Despite this, it is important to remember that MCC can develop anywhere on the body. […] If you notice something unusual, or if a spot doesn’t heal, it’s time to consult your dermatologist or family doctor.

• #20 Merkel Cell Carcinoma: What to Know

  https://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/merkel-cell-carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinoma can grow in size and spread to other parts of your body quickly. The key to fighting this type of skin cancer is to spot it early and treat it. […] Symptoms include: A raised or dome-shaped sore that looks red, pink, or purple. The bump grows quickly, usually within a few weeks or months. The bumpy sore might be firm and painless to touch. The sore shows up on your face, head, or neck the most sun-exposed parts of the body. The sore appears after you’re 50 years of age or older. […] While this type of skin cancer is more common among older fair-skinned people, people of color and young people also get it. But it’s very rare and the symptoms might look slightly different. […] Because Merkel cell carcinoma is often painless and looks harmless, you might mistake it for: A bug bite, Sore, Cyst, Stye (a painful lump by your eyelid), Pimple. […] The cancerous bump tends to grow fast in size and can quickly spread to other parts of your body.

• #21 Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Symptoms, Treatment, and More

  https://www.verywellhealth.com/merkel-cell-carcinoma-overview-and-more-5199239

  Typically, the first sign of MCC is the appearance of a red or purple lump or bump on the skin. They may be firm and dome-shaped, and usually doesn’t cause any pain. […] One sign that the lump or bump might be an MCC tumor is if it grows very quickly. […] The Skin Cancer Foundation offers this AEIOU guide to help spot Merkel cell carcinoma: „A” stands for asymptomatic. The lump isn’t painful or tender. „E” stands for expanding. The lesion expands very quickly. „I” stands for immunocompromised. You are more at risk for Merkel cell carcinoma if you have a weak immune system. „O” stands for older. You have a higher risk if you’re older. „U” stands for UV-exposed. The lumps usually show up on areas of the skin that have been exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. […] 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. They can easily be mistaken for cysts or infected hair follicles. […] Treatment is much more successful if MCCs are caught early, which can be difficult when suspicious lesions are ignored or misdiagnosed. Be sure to meet with your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you suspect lump or skin appearance may be cancerous.

• #22 Skin cancer types: Merkel cell carcinoma signs & symptoms

  https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/common/merkel-cell/symptoms

  While MCC tends to develop in older, fair-skinned people, young adults and those who have skin of color can get this skin cancer. Even a few children have had MCC. […] In African Americans, MCC tends to develop on a leg. Younger people tend to get it on their torsos. […] While MCC is often painless, it can feel sore and tender. Some people say the growth itches. […] Any spot on your skin that is growing, bleeding, or changing in any way could be a skin cancer. […] This aggressive skin cancer can look like a rapidly growing stye or cyst. Unlike a stye or cyst, Merkel cell carcinoma often feels painless. […] Sometimes, this aggressive skin cancer looks like a sore, so its important to see a dermatologist if you notice a new spot on your skin that is growing rapidly. Skin cancer can also look like a sore that heals and returns. […] While Merkel cell carcinoma often looks like a dome-shaped growth or slightly raised and scaly patch, it can appear on the skin in diverse ways.

• #23 Merkel Cell Carcinoma Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments | UPMC

  https://www.upmc.com/services/endocrinology/conditions/merkel-cell-carcinoma

  The first Merkel cell carcinoma symptom is a painless red, purple, or pink bump on the skin. […] Because it can show up in the brain, bones, liver, or other organs, Merkel cell carcinoma symptoms can be severe. The cancer can be fatal. […] Most Merkel cell tumors don’t cause pain, but the bump can be tender in rare cases. It may also be itchy. They’re often found on sun-exposed skin, especially the head, neck, and arms. […] Merkel cell cancer often spreads first to the lymph nodes, found in the armpits, neck, belly, groin, and arms. So another Merkel cell cancer symptom is lumps under the skin around a lymph node near the cancer. […] The survival rate for Merkel cell tumors depends on whether the cancer has spread. Treatments cure cancer in some people but may only delay death or reduce MCC symptoms for others.

• #24 Signs and Symptoms of Merkel Cell Carcinoma | American Cancer Society

  https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/merkel-cell-skin-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html

  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) usually starts on areas of skin exposed to the sun, especially the face, neck, arms, and legs, but it can occur anywhere on the body. […] The first sign of Merkel cell carcinoma is often a single pink, red, or purple shiny bump that usually doesn’t hurt. Sometimes the skin on the top of the tumor breaks open and bleeds. […] These tumors tend to grow quickly. They might spread as new lumps in the nearby skin. They might also reach nearby lymph nodes (small collections of immune system cells throughout the body). Over time, the lymph nodes might grow large enough to be seen or felt as lumps under the skin (usually in the neck or under the arm). […] Its very important to have any new, growing, or changing lumps, bumps, or spots on your skin checked by a doctor as soon as possible, so that the cause can be found and treated, if needed. The earlier any type of skin cancer is found, the easier its likely to be to treat it.

• #25 Merkel Cell Cancer | Cedars-Sinai

  https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/m/merkel-cell-cancer.html

  Most of the time, Merkel cell tumors are found on areas of skin exposed to the sun. These include the face, neck, and arms. But they can start anywhere on the body. They often look like firm, shiny lumps that dont hurt. The lumps may be red, pink, or blue. The skin on the tumor may open and bleed. They tend to grow very quickly. […] Merkel cell cancer can be dangerous because it tends to grow and spread quickly. It can be hard to treat if it spreads beyond the skin. […] This cancer grows and spreads quickly.

• #26 Merkel cell carcinoma

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6054450/

  Owing to the nonspecific presentation, clinical diagnosis of MCC is often delayed. […] The acronym AEIOU has been used to recall relevant clinical features of MCC and the patient: asymptomatic, expanding rapidly, immunosuppressed, 50 years of age and UV-exposed. […] Local or distant recurrences usually occur within the first 2-3 years after initial diagnosis; thus, patients whose cancer has not recurred by 3 years are at substantially diminished risk of recurrence.

• #27 Merkel Cell Carcinoma – EyeWiki

  https://eyewiki.org/Merkel_Cell_Carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinomas often present as a painless solitary nodule with a „violaceous” (purple-red) hue, as seen in Figures 1-3. […] Heath et al proposed the mnemonic „AEIOU” for assistance with MCC diagnostic clarity: asymptomatic (lack of tenderness), expanding rapidly, immunosuppression, older than 50 years, and UV-exposed site. […] When involving the periocular area, MCC is most commonly located on the upper eyelid, near the eyelid margin. […] Unlike most benign entities, MCC (and other malignant lesions) often causes partial or complete madarosis (loss of eyelashes), as well as overlying telangiectatic vessels. […] At the time of diagnosis, up to 37% of patients have at least one affected node and 6-12% of patients already have metastatic disease. […] The prognosis of Merkel cell carcinoma is highly-dependent on the extent of disease at that time of diagnosis.

• #28 Merkel-Cell Carcinoma | Enhanced Dental CPD Online

  https://www.dentaljuce.com/shorts-merkel-cell-carcinoma

  MCC usually presents as a firm nodule or mass, flesh-coloured, red, or blue, varying in size from 0.5 cm to over 5 cm and potentially enlarging rapidly. […] Tumours can be painless, tender or itchy, and may present as papules or plaques. […] The acronym AEIOU (Asymptomatic, Expanding rapidly, Immune suppression, Older than 50 years, and Ultraviolet-exposed site on a person with fair skin) summarises key attributes of MCC. […] Ninety percent of MCC cases have three or more of these features. […] MCC is often mistaken for other cancers or benign cysts and tends to invade locally, infiltrating underlying subcutaneous fat, fascia, and muscle, and metastasizing early, most often to regional lymph nodes, liver, lung, brain, and bone. […] Prognosis varies significantly by stage at diagnosis, with five-year survival rates ranging from 80% for stage IA to 20% for stage IV. Factors influencing prognosis include MCV viral status, histological features, and immune status.

• #29 Merkel cell carcinoma – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/merkel-cell-carcinoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351030

  Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer. It most often appears as a bump on the face, head or neck. […] The first symptom of Merkel cell carcinoma most often is a growth on the skin. This skin cancer can happen anywhere on the body. It happens most often on skin that typically gets sunlight. In white people, the growth is most likely to be on the head or neck. In Black people, the growth more often is on the legs. […] A Merkel cell carcinoma can cause: A bump on the skin that often is painless. A bump that grows quickly. A bump whose two sides don’t match. A bump that looks pink, purple, red-brown, or the same color as the skin around it. […] Merkel cell carcinoma tends to grow fast and to spread quickly to other parts of the body. Treatment may depend on whether the cancer has spread beyond the skin.

• #30 Merkel cell carcinoma

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6054450/

  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) presents with a solitary cutaneous or subcutaneous nodule, most frequently in sun-exposed areas. […] At primary diagnosis, loco-regional metastases are already present in ~30% of patients. […] Almost one-third of patients present at primary diagnosis with loco-regional metastases, for example, in-transit metastases (a tumour distinct from the primary lesion and located either between the primary lesion and the draining regional lymph nodes or distal to the primary lesion) or lymph node metastases. […] MCC presents as a rapidly growing, solitary, cutaneous or subcutaneous tumour that is located mostly on sun-exposed areas, particularly the head and neck and also, less frequently, the extremities and buttocks. […] Lesions are asymptomatic, red-to-violet nodules that might be clinically misconstrued as benign lesions (such as cysts or infectious or inflammatory lesions) or other malignant lesions (such as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, lymphoma or metastasis).

• #31 Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Symptoms, Causes, Stages & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17971-merkel-cell-carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive type of skin cancer that can be life-threatening. The cancer affects your skins outer layer, or epidermis. It often spreads to lymph nodes and organs. […] Merkel cell carcinoma tends to spread quickly to other parts of your body and often comes back after treatment. […] Tumors from Merkel cell carcinoma typically appear on sun-exposed areas of skin. You may notice a shiny or pearly lump on an area of skin that gets a lot of sun exposure. […] The lumps most commonly appear on your face, neck, arms or eyelids. […] Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive cancer that spreads quickly to other parts of your body. When cancer spreads from its primary site, you have metastatic cancer. […] Merkel cell carcinoma most commonly spreads to your lymphatic system (lymph nodes) first. From there, it may spread to other parts of your body like your bones, lungs, brain or other organs. Merkel cell carcinoma can be fatal. […] Merkel cell carcinoma often returns after treatment. You may need to see your healthcare provider every three to four months for the first several years and get imaging scans to check for cancer recurrence.

• #32 Merkel Cell Carcinoma – EyeWiki

  https://eyewiki.org/Merkel_Cell_Carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinomas often present as a painless solitary nodule with a „violaceous” (purple-red) hue, as seen in Figures 1-3. […] Heath et al proposed the mnemonic „AEIOU” for assistance with MCC diagnostic clarity: asymptomatic (lack of tenderness), expanding rapidly, immunosuppression, older than 50 years, and UV-exposed site. […] When involving the periocular area, MCC is most commonly located on the upper eyelid, near the eyelid margin. […] Unlike most benign entities, MCC (and other malignant lesions) often causes partial or complete madarosis (loss of eyelashes), as well as overlying telangiectatic vessels. […] At the time of diagnosis, up to 37% of patients have at least one affected node and 6-12% of patients already have metastatic disease. […] The prognosis of Merkel cell carcinoma is highly-dependent on the extent of disease at that time of diagnosis.

• #33 Merkel cell carcinoma – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/merkel-cell-carcinoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351030

  Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer. It most often appears as a bump on the face, head or neck. […] The first symptom of Merkel cell carcinoma most often is a growth on the skin. This skin cancer can happen anywhere on the body. It happens most often on skin that typically gets sunlight. In white people, the growth is most likely to be on the head or neck. In Black people, the growth more often is on the legs. […] A Merkel cell carcinoma can cause: A bump on the skin that often is painless. A bump that grows quickly. A bump whose two sides don’t match. A bump that looks pink, purple, red-brown, or the same color as the skin around it. […] Merkel cell carcinoma tends to grow fast and to spread quickly to other parts of the body. Treatment may depend on whether the cancer has spread beyond the skin.

• #34 Skin cancer types: Merkel cell carcinoma signs & symptoms

  https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/common/merkel-cell/symptoms

  While MCC tends to develop in older, fair-skinned people, young adults and those who have skin of color can get this skin cancer. Even a few children have had MCC. […] In African Americans, MCC tends to develop on a leg. Younger people tend to get it on their torsos. […] While MCC is often painless, it can feel sore and tender. Some people say the growth itches. […] Any spot on your skin that is growing, bleeding, or changing in any way could be a skin cancer. […] This aggressive skin cancer can look like a rapidly growing stye or cyst. Unlike a stye or cyst, Merkel cell carcinoma often feels painless. […] Sometimes, this aggressive skin cancer looks like a sore, so its important to see a dermatologist if you notice a new spot on your skin that is growing rapidly. Skin cancer can also look like a sore that heals and returns. […] While Merkel cell carcinoma often looks like a dome-shaped growth or slightly raised and scaly patch, it can appear on the skin in diverse ways.

• #35 Skin cancer types: Merkel cell carcinoma signs & symptoms

  https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/common/merkel-cell/symptoms

  While MCC tends to develop in older, fair-skinned people, young adults and those who have skin of color can get this skin cancer. Even a few children have had MCC. […] In African Americans, MCC tends to develop on a leg. Younger people tend to get it on their torsos. […] While MCC is often painless, it can feel sore and tender. Some people say the growth itches. […] Any spot on your skin that is growing, bleeding, or changing in any way could be a skin cancer. […] This aggressive skin cancer can look like a rapidly growing stye or cyst. Unlike a stye or cyst, Merkel cell carcinoma often feels painless. […] Sometimes, this aggressive skin cancer looks like a sore, so its important to see a dermatologist if you notice a new spot on your skin that is growing rapidly. Skin cancer can also look like a sore that heals and returns. […] While Merkel cell carcinoma often looks like a dome-shaped growth or slightly raised and scaly patch, it can appear on the skin in diverse ways.

• #36 Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Skin – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482329/

  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. […] Skin biopsy is diagnostic, and sentinel lymph node evaluation should be performed in all patients who are diagnosed with MCC, as the disease typically has a rapidly progressive course. […] MCC typically presents as a rapidly growing, asymptomatic, firm, red-violaceous nodule on sun-exposed skin, with the head and neck region most commonly involved. […] Because MCC follows an aggressive course, only 65% of patients present with local disease. […] The tumor usually arises in the skin; however, it has also been described in several extracutaneous sites such as the salivary glands and nasal cavity.

• #37 Merkel cell carcinoma: Causes, symptoms, and treatment

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/merkel-cell-carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinoma usually develops on the face, neck, arms, and legs. […] Rarely, it may form in the esophagus or nose, but it tends to affect areas that have been exposed to significant levels of UV light over time. The symptoms of MCC can be similar to those of other, more common, types of skin cancer. However, MCC tumors tend to be firm and raised, may be pink, red, or purple, are typically painless but can open up, becoming painful, bleeding sores or ulcers, grow rapidly, may resemble insect bites, cysts, or styes, may spread, forming new, smaller lumps under the skin, may cause surrounding lymph nodes to swell, have an average diameter of 1.7 centimeters, about the same as a dime, may be dome-shaped, are almost never dark, as malignant melanoma tumors are, and are rarely scaly, as squamous cell carcinoma tumors are.

• #38 Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Symptoms, Causes, Stages & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17971-merkel-cell-carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive type of skin cancer that can be life-threatening. The cancer affects your skins outer layer, or epidermis. It often spreads to lymph nodes and organs. […] Merkel cell carcinoma tends to spread quickly to other parts of your body and often comes back after treatment. […] Tumors from Merkel cell carcinoma typically appear on sun-exposed areas of skin. You may notice a shiny or pearly lump on an area of skin that gets a lot of sun exposure. […] The lumps most commonly appear on your face, neck, arms or eyelids. […] Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive cancer that spreads quickly to other parts of your body. When cancer spreads from its primary site, you have metastatic cancer. […] Merkel cell carcinoma most commonly spreads to your lymphatic system (lymph nodes) first. From there, it may spread to other parts of your body like your bones, lungs, brain or other organs. Merkel cell carcinoma can be fatal. […] Merkel cell carcinoma often returns after treatment. You may need to see your healthcare provider every three to four months for the first several years and get imaging scans to check for cancer recurrence.

• #39 Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment – NCI

  https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/merkel-cell-treatment-pdq

  Merkel cell carcinoma usually appears as a single painless lump on sun-exposed skin. […] Merkel cell carcinoma tends to grow quickly and to metastasize (spread) at an early stage. It usually spreads first to nearby lymph nodes and then may spread to lymph nodes or skin in distant parts of the body, lungs, brain, bones, or other organs. […] In stage IV, 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. […] Recurrent Merkel cell carcinoma is cancer that has come back after it has been treated. If Merkel cell carcinoma comes back, it may come back in the skin, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body. Tests will be done to help determine where the cancer has returned. The type of treatment for recurrent Merkel cell carcinoma will depend on where it has come back.

• #40 Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

  https://www.medicoverhospitals.in/diseases/merkel-cell-carcinoma/

  Merkel Cell Carcinoma often presents as a painless, firm, red or violet nodule on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, neck, arms, and legs. These nodules can grow rapidly, sometimes doubling in size within a few weeks. […] As the malignancy progresses, it may spread to nearby lymph nodes and other parts of the body, including the liver, lungs, bones, and brain. Depending on the location of metastasis, this dissemination can lead to more severe symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and organ dysfunction. […] Symptoms include a fast-growing, painless red or purple nodule on sun-exposed skin.

• #41 Merkel-cell carcinoma – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merkel-cell_carcinoma

  Merkel cell cancers tend to invade locally, infiltrating the underlying subcutaneous fat, fascia, and muscle, and typically metastasize early in their natural history, most often to the regional lymph nodes. MCCs also spread aggressively through the blood vessels to many organs, particularly to the liver, lung, brain, and bone.

• #42 Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Symptoms, Treatment and Prognosis

  https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/skin-cancer/types/merkel-cell-carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinoma most often appears on sun-exposed parts of the body, such as the: […] Merkel cell carcinoma appears as a painless but fast-growing lump on sun-exposed skin, and it can range in color from reddish to deep purple. Its initial appearance is unremarkable, but the rapid growth of the primary lesion may send patients to seek medical help. Merkel cell carcinoma often forms additional lesions on the skin next to the primary tumor site, called satellite lesions. […] Merkel cell carcinoma can spread easily to another region of the body and has high recurrence rates with one review finding that about 30 percent of patients whose cancers were caught in early or mid stages had a recurrence on the skin, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). […] Merkel cell carcinoma is most likely to spread to distant lymph nodes or other skin areas, as well as to the lungs, brain, bones, or other organs.

• #43 Signs and Symptoms of Merkel Cell Carcinoma | American Cancer Society

  https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/merkel-cell-skin-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html

  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) usually starts on areas of skin exposed to the sun, especially the face, neck, arms, and legs, but it can occur anywhere on the body. […] The first sign of Merkel cell carcinoma is often a single pink, red, or purple shiny bump that usually doesn’t hurt. Sometimes the skin on the top of the tumor breaks open and bleeds. […] These tumors tend to grow quickly. They might spread as new lumps in the nearby skin. They might also reach nearby lymph nodes (small collections of immune system cells throughout the body). Over time, the lymph nodes might grow large enough to be seen or felt as lumps under the skin (usually in the neck or under the arm). […] Its very important to have any new, growing, or changing lumps, bumps, or spots on your skin checked by a doctor as soon as possible, so that the cause can be found and treated, if needed. The earlier any type of skin cancer is found, the easier its likely to be to treat it.

• #44 Merkel Cell Carcinoma FAQs Houston TX

  https://www.mohssurgery.org/skin-cancer-faqs/merkel-cell-carcinoma-faqs/

  Merkel cell carcinoma usually starts on areas of skin exposed to the sun, especially the face, neck, arms, and legs. It first appears as a single pink, red, or purple shiny bump that doesn’t hurt. These can bleed at times. […] These tumors grow quickly, and they can form new lumps near the first location. They can spread to nearby lymph nodes. If this happens the lymph nodes can grow so that they become visible as lumps under the skin. This usually occurs in the neck or under the arm. […] Merkel cell carcinoma is rare, and the first signs of it can look like more common forms of skin cancer that aren’t as aggressive. That makes early detection critical, as in many cases only a biopsy will identify it as Merkel cell carcinoma. […] Successful prognosis invariably involves early detection. Almost 80 percent of cases found early have good five-year success rates. But if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and to other parts of the body, the prognosis is not good.

• #45 Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Symptoms, Causes, Stages & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17971-merkel-cell-carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive type of skin cancer that can be life-threatening. The cancer affects your skins outer layer, or epidermis. It often spreads to lymph nodes and organs. […] Merkel cell carcinoma tends to spread quickly to other parts of your body and often comes back after treatment. […] Tumors from Merkel cell carcinoma typically appear on sun-exposed areas of skin. You may notice a shiny or pearly lump on an area of skin that gets a lot of sun exposure. […] The lumps most commonly appear on your face, neck, arms or eyelids. […] Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive cancer that spreads quickly to other parts of your body. When cancer spreads from its primary site, you have metastatic cancer. […] Merkel cell carcinoma most commonly spreads to your lymphatic system (lymph nodes) first. From there, it may spread to other parts of your body like your bones, lungs, brain or other organs. Merkel cell carcinoma can be fatal. […] Merkel cell carcinoma often returns after treatment. You may need to see your healthcare provider every three to four months for the first several years and get imaging scans to check for cancer recurrence.

• #46 Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment – NCI

  https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/merkel-cell-treatment-pdq

  Merkel cell carcinoma usually appears as a single painless lump on sun-exposed skin. […] Merkel cell carcinoma tends to grow quickly and to metastasize (spread) at an early stage. It usually spreads first to nearby lymph nodes and then may spread to lymph nodes or skin in distant parts of the body, lungs, brain, bones, or other organs. […] In stage IV, 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. […] Recurrent Merkel cell carcinoma is cancer that has come back after it has been treated. If Merkel cell carcinoma comes back, it may come back in the skin, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body. Tests will be done to help determine where the cancer has returned. The type of treatment for recurrent Merkel cell carcinoma will depend on where it has come back.

• #47 Merkel cell carcinoma

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6054450/

  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) presents with a solitary cutaneous or subcutaneous nodule, most frequently in sun-exposed areas. […] At primary diagnosis, loco-regional metastases are already present in ~30% of patients. […] Almost one-third of patients present at primary diagnosis with loco-regional metastases, for example, in-transit metastases (a tumour distinct from the primary lesion and located either between the primary lesion and the draining regional lymph nodes or distal to the primary lesion) or lymph node metastases. […] MCC presents as a rapidly growing, solitary, cutaneous or subcutaneous tumour that is located mostly on sun-exposed areas, particularly the head and neck and also, less frequently, the extremities and buttocks. […] Lesions are asymptomatic, red-to-violet nodules that might be clinically misconstrued as benign lesions (such as cysts or infectious or inflammatory lesions) or other malignant lesions (such as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, lymphoma or metastasis).

• #48 Merkel Cell Carcinoma – EyeWiki

  https://eyewiki.org/Merkel_Cell_Carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinomas often present as a painless solitary nodule with a „violaceous” (purple-red) hue, as seen in Figures 1-3. […] Heath et al proposed the mnemonic „AEIOU” for assistance with MCC diagnostic clarity: asymptomatic (lack of tenderness), expanding rapidly, immunosuppression, older than 50 years, and UV-exposed site. […] When involving the periocular area, MCC is most commonly located on the upper eyelid, near the eyelid margin. […] Unlike most benign entities, MCC (and other malignant lesions) often causes partial or complete madarosis (loss of eyelashes), as well as overlying telangiectatic vessels. […] At the time of diagnosis, up to 37% of patients have at least one affected node and 6-12% of patients already have metastatic disease. […] The prognosis of Merkel cell carcinoma is highly-dependent on the extent of disease at that time of diagnosis.

• #49 Signs and Symptoms of Merkel Cell Carcinoma | American Cancer Society

  https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/merkel-cell-skin-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html

  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) usually starts on areas of skin exposed to the sun, especially the face, neck, arms, and legs, but it can occur anywhere on the body. […] The first sign of Merkel cell carcinoma is often a single pink, red, or purple shiny bump that usually doesn’t hurt. Sometimes the skin on the top of the tumor breaks open and bleeds. […] These tumors tend to grow quickly. They might spread as new lumps in the nearby skin. They might also reach nearby lymph nodes (small collections of immune system cells throughout the body). Over time, the lymph nodes might grow large enough to be seen or felt as lumps under the skin (usually in the neck or under the arm). […] Its very important to have any new, growing, or changing lumps, bumps, or spots on your skin checked by a doctor as soon as possible, so that the cause can be found and treated, if needed. The earlier any type of skin cancer is found, the easier its likely to be to treat it.

• #50 Merkel Cell Carcinoma Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments | UPMC

  https://www.upmc.com/services/endocrinology/conditions/merkel-cell-carcinoma

  The first Merkel cell carcinoma symptom is a painless red, purple, or pink bump on the skin. […] Because it can show up in the brain, bones, liver, or other organs, Merkel cell carcinoma symptoms can be severe. The cancer can be fatal. […] Most Merkel cell tumors don’t cause pain, but the bump can be tender in rare cases. It may also be itchy. They’re often found on sun-exposed skin, especially the head, neck, and arms. […] Merkel cell cancer often spreads first to the lymph nodes, found in the armpits, neck, belly, groin, and arms. So another Merkel cell cancer symptom is lumps under the skin around a lymph node near the cancer. […] The survival rate for Merkel cell tumors depends on whether the cancer has spread. Treatments cure cancer in some people but may only delay death or reduce MCC symptoms for others.

• #51 Skin Cancer – Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Practice Essentials, History of the Procedure, Problem

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/870538-overview

  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) commonly appears as a painless mass on or just under the skin surface. Appropriate clinical diagnosis is often delayed because of a lack of symptoms. The tumor may take on an erythematous or violaceous appearance. Bleeding and superficial ulceration are late findings suggestive of advanced disease. Regional lymph node metastasis is common, even with tumors smaller than 2 cm. […] Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a deadly disease with a poor likelihood for survival. Local recurrence occurs in 44% of patients; multiple local recurrences occur in 15%. These tumors appear as rapidly growing, painless nodules in elderly Caucasian individuals or in young adults with ectodermal dysplasia syndromes. The mean age at presentation is 68 years, and no sex bias is observed. Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) usually appear as indurated plaques or violaceous (red or deep purple) solitary and dome-shaped nodules. The surface is typically shiny, with telangiectasias and possibly ulceration. Most tumors measure 0.7-1.2 cm in diameter. […] About 75-83% of patients eventually develop regional nodal and distant metastases during their illness.

• #52 Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Symptoms & Treatment | Massachusetts General Hospital

  https://www.massgeneral.org/cancer-center/treatments-and-services/melanoma/merkel-cell-carcinoma/about

  Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer. It is also known as primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin, trabecular carcinoma of the skin, primary small cell carcinoma of the skin and cutaneous apudoma. Merkel cell carcinoma tends to grow quickly. Treatment options depend on if it has spread beyond the skin. […] Merkel cell carcinoma tumors: are most often found on sun-exposed areas of skin, such as the face, neck, and arms but they can start anywhere on the body. usually appear as firm, shiny skin lumps that don’t hurt. The lumps may be red, pink, purple, or blue. tend to grow very quickly. […] Between 10 20% of cases (between 10 and 20 people out of every 100) present without skin involvement and are found as a swelling of a lymph node. […] You should see your doctor if you have any new or changing marks on your skin. Be aware of any lumps, growths, moles, or other abnormal areas on your skin. Watch for new spots or areas that are changing. This can include skin marks that grow larger, bleed, crust, or itch. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent the cancer from spreading. Your healthcare provider may recommend you do a skin self-exam once a month or more.

• #53 Merkel cell carcinoma – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/merkel-cell-carcinoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351030

  Even with treatment, Merkel cell carcinoma often spreads to other parts of the body. When cancer spreads, healthcare professionals sometimes say it metastasizes. Merkel cell carcinoma tends to travel first to nearby lymph nodes. Later it may spread to the brain, bones, liver or lungs. It can keep these organs from working as they should. Cancer that spreads is harder to treat and can be fatal.

• #54 Merkel-cell carcinoma – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merkel-cell_carcinoma

  Merkel cell cancers tend to invade locally, infiltrating the underlying subcutaneous fat, fascia, and muscle, and typically metastasize early in their natural history, most often to the regional lymph nodes. MCCs also spread aggressively through the blood vessels to many organs, particularly to the liver, lung, brain, and bone.

• #55 Merkel Cell Carcinoma – EyeWiki

  https://eyewiki.org/Merkel_Cell_Carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinomas often present as a painless solitary nodule with a „violaceous” (purple-red) hue, as seen in Figures 1-3. […] Heath et al proposed the mnemonic „AEIOU” for assistance with MCC diagnostic clarity: asymptomatic (lack of tenderness), expanding rapidly, immunosuppression, older than 50 years, and UV-exposed site. […] When involving the periocular area, MCC is most commonly located on the upper eyelid, near the eyelid margin. […] Unlike most benign entities, MCC (and other malignant lesions) often causes partial or complete madarosis (loss of eyelashes), as well as overlying telangiectatic vessels. […] At the time of diagnosis, up to 37% of patients have at least one affected node and 6-12% of patients already have metastatic disease. […] The prognosis of Merkel cell carcinoma is highly-dependent on the extent of disease at that time of diagnosis.

• #56 Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Symptoms, Causes, Stages & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17971-merkel-cell-carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive type of skin cancer that can be life-threatening. The cancer affects your skins outer layer, or epidermis. It often spreads to lymph nodes and organs. […] Merkel cell carcinoma tends to spread quickly to other parts of your body and often comes back after treatment. […] Tumors from Merkel cell carcinoma typically appear on sun-exposed areas of skin. You may notice a shiny or pearly lump on an area of skin that gets a lot of sun exposure. […] The lumps most commonly appear on your face, neck, arms or eyelids. […] Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive cancer that spreads quickly to other parts of your body. When cancer spreads from its primary site, you have metastatic cancer. […] Merkel cell carcinoma most commonly spreads to your lymphatic system (lymph nodes) first. From there, it may spread to other parts of your body like your bones, lungs, brain or other organs. Merkel cell carcinoma can be fatal. […] Merkel cell carcinoma often returns after treatment. You may need to see your healthcare provider every three to four months for the first several years and get imaging scans to check for cancer recurrence.

• #57 Merkel cell carcinoma – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/merkel-cell-carcinoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351030

  Even with treatment, Merkel cell carcinoma often spreads to other parts of the body. When cancer spreads, healthcare professionals sometimes say it metastasizes. Merkel cell carcinoma tends to travel first to nearby lymph nodes. Later it may spread to the brain, bones, liver or lungs. It can keep these organs from working as they should. Cancer that spreads is harder to treat and can be fatal.

• #58 Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment – NCI

  https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/merkel-cell-treatment-pdq

  Merkel cell carcinoma usually appears as a single painless lump on sun-exposed skin. […] Merkel cell carcinoma tends to grow quickly and to metastasize (spread) at an early stage. It usually spreads first to nearby lymph nodes and then may spread to lymph nodes or skin in distant parts of the body, lungs, brain, bones, or other organs. […] In stage IV, 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. […] Recurrent Merkel cell carcinoma is cancer that has come back after it has been treated. If Merkel cell carcinoma comes back, it may come back in the skin, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body. Tests will be done to help determine where the cancer has returned. The type of treatment for recurrent Merkel cell carcinoma will depend on where it has come back.

• #59 Merkel cell carcinoma – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/merkel-cell-carcinoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351030

  Even with treatment, Merkel cell carcinoma often spreads to other parts of the body. When cancer spreads, healthcare professionals sometimes say it metastasizes. Merkel cell carcinoma tends to travel first to nearby lymph nodes. Later it may spread to the brain, bones, liver or lungs. It can keep these organs from working as they should. Cancer that spreads is harder to treat and can be fatal.

• #60 Merkel cell carcinoma // Middlesex Health

  https://middlesexhealth.org/learning-center/diseases-and-conditions/merkel-cell-carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinoma tends to grow fast and to spread quickly to other parts of your body. […] The first sign of Merkel cell carcinoma is usually a fast-growing, painless nodule (tumor) on your skin. The nodule may be skin-colored or may appear in shades of red, blue or purple. […] Even with treatment, Merkel cell carcinoma commonly spreads (metastasizes) beyond the skin. 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.

• #61 Merkel Cell Carcinoma | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

  https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/merkel-cell-carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare skin cancer that is aggressive (grows very fast). It starts in Merkel cells, which are cells in the skin’s top layer. MCC can spread quickly to other parts of the body. It’s hard to treat once it spreads. […] MCC can be serious. If it’s not treated, it can quickly spread to lymph nodes, bones, the liver, and lungs. […] The symptoms of MCC depend on the tumor’s size and location. Common symptoms include: A painless, firm bump or nodule on the skin that grows fast. A red, scaly, or ulcerated area on the skin. A new mole that changes in size, color, or shape. […] Less common symptoms can include: A swollen lymph node near the site of the tumor. Fatigue (feeling very tired). Loss of appetite. Weight loss you can’t explain. […] Advanced MCC can cause more severe symptoms. They include: Pain in the area that has cancer. Numbness or tingling in the area that has cancer. Limb paralysis (puh-RA-lih-sis), which means you can’t move the limb that has cancer. Bone fractures (breaks) caused by weakened bones. It’s important to talk with your healthcare provider if you’re worried about a new or changing skin lesion. Treatment is more successful if Merkel cell carcinoma is found early, and treatment starts right away.

• #62

  https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Living-with-and-beyond-cancer/Merkel-Cell-Carcinoma/td-p/378

  I have just read your story and I can relate to it I also was treated at the Mater and have so much praise them. I stayed in the Lodge and the care and attention I received was excellent. I had 12 months earlier lost my husband to melanoma which he refused to be treated for and it was horrible to see his suffering. I also have lost friend and relatives to different forms of cancer. Like you it is so vital to have any signs checked and treated. […] I had a heap of tests done over the last month. First it started off with a simple X-Ray, followed by CT Scans, PET Scans, Bronoscopy, Fine Needle Biopsy and last a surgical biopsy to my neck. At first the prognosis was stage 4 Lung Cancer with 2 to 3 months to live, but after the surgical Biopsy was done, it turns out I have a very rare cancer called Merkel Cell Caricmona, which is suppose to be set off from the sun. … I have worked nightshift for the last 9 years. I currently get sore (not really pain) in the right side of my chest and right arm. Some days both, other days not so., but by the end of the day I feel like I’ve had 6 rounds with Mike Tyson and very much fatiguied. (Spell?) Other times but not everyday day and only an hour or so at the most I get a few headaches and the back right side of my neck gets sore. Most nights I seem to sleep upright on the lounge as i seem to get a consistent dry cough if i try to lay down. The dry cough also happens if I over exert myself, such as walking. Not sure what is going to happen here on end.

• #63 Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Symptoms, Causes, Stages & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17971-merkel-cell-carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive type of skin cancer that can be life-threatening. The cancer affects your skins outer layer, or epidermis. It often spreads to lymph nodes and organs. […] Merkel cell carcinoma tends to spread quickly to other parts of your body and often comes back after treatment. […] Tumors from Merkel cell carcinoma typically appear on sun-exposed areas of skin. You may notice a shiny or pearly lump on an area of skin that gets a lot of sun exposure. […] The lumps most commonly appear on your face, neck, arms or eyelids. […] Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive cancer that spreads quickly to other parts of your body. When cancer spreads from its primary site, you have metastatic cancer. […] Merkel cell carcinoma most commonly spreads to your lymphatic system (lymph nodes) first. From there, it may spread to other parts of your body like your bones, lungs, brain or other organs. Merkel cell carcinoma can be fatal. […] Merkel cell carcinoma often returns after treatment. You may need to see your healthcare provider every three to four months for the first several years and get imaging scans to check for cancer recurrence.

• #64 Merkel cell carcinoma – Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice US

  https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-us/3000356

  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare cutaneous cancer with a high risk of regional and distant metastases and a higher case fatality rate than melanoma. The primary cutaneous tumor is typically rapidly growing but usually asymptomatic and is often initially misdiagnosed as a benign lesion. […] The primary MCC tumor typically presents as an asymptomatic, rapidly growing, pink-to-violaceous or skin-colored dermal or subcutaneous nodule on sun-exposed skin. […] Key diagnostic factors include a firm, nontender, red or pink-to-violaceous or skin-colored papule or subcutaneous nodule and a rapidly growing lesion. […] Other diagnostic factors include enlarged lymph nodes, ulceration or bleeding cutaneous lesion, and small papules or nodules surrounding a primary lesion. […] MCC recurs in up to half of patients; hence, ongoing monitoring is important.

• #65 Skin Cancer – Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Practice Essentials, History of the Procedure, Problem

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/870538-overview

  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) commonly appears as a painless mass on or just under the skin surface. Appropriate clinical diagnosis is often delayed because of a lack of symptoms. The tumor may take on an erythematous or violaceous appearance. Bleeding and superficial ulceration are late findings suggestive of advanced disease. Regional lymph node metastasis is common, even with tumors smaller than 2 cm. […] Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a deadly disease with a poor likelihood for survival. Local recurrence occurs in 44% of patients; multiple local recurrences occur in 15%. These tumors appear as rapidly growing, painless nodules in elderly Caucasian individuals or in young adults with ectodermal dysplasia syndromes. The mean age at presentation is 68 years, and no sex bias is observed. Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) usually appear as indurated plaques or violaceous (red or deep purple) solitary and dome-shaped nodules. The surface is typically shiny, with telangiectasias and possibly ulceration. Most tumors measure 0.7-1.2 cm in diameter. […] About 75-83% of patients eventually develop regional nodal and distant metastases during their illness.

• #66 Skin Cancer – Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Practice Essentials, History of the Procedure, Problem

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/870538-overview

  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) commonly appears as a painless mass on or just under the skin surface. Appropriate clinical diagnosis is often delayed because of a lack of symptoms. The tumor may take on an erythematous or violaceous appearance. Bleeding and superficial ulceration are late findings suggestive of advanced disease. Regional lymph node metastasis is common, even with tumors smaller than 2 cm. […] Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a deadly disease with a poor likelihood for survival. Local recurrence occurs in 44% of patients; multiple local recurrences occur in 15%. These tumors appear as rapidly growing, painless nodules in elderly Caucasian individuals or in young adults with ectodermal dysplasia syndromes. The mean age at presentation is 68 years, and no sex bias is observed. Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) usually appear as indurated plaques or violaceous (red or deep purple) solitary and dome-shaped nodules. The surface is typically shiny, with telangiectasias and possibly ulceration. Most tumors measure 0.7-1.2 cm in diameter. […] About 75-83% of patients eventually develop regional nodal and distant metastases during their illness.

• #67 Merkel Cell Carcinoma

  https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/

  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. […] Approximately 3,000 new cases of Merkel cell skin cancer are diagnosed annually in the U.S. About 40 percent of cases recur. […] MCC tumors often, but not always, appear on sun-exposed areas of the body. The tumors are not nearly as distinctive as other skin cancers and can appear as a pearly pimple-like lump, sometimes skin-colored, red, purple or bluish-red, though they are rarely tender to the touch. The rapid speed at which they grow is what often causes patients and doctors to take notice. […] 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. Thanks to advances in the field of immunotherapy, MCC survival rates are improving.

• #68 Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment – NCI

  https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/merkel-cell-treatment-pdq

  Merkel cell carcinoma usually appears as a single painless lump on sun-exposed skin. […] Merkel cell carcinoma tends to grow quickly and to metastasize (spread) at an early stage. It usually spreads first to nearby lymph nodes and then may spread to lymph nodes or skin in distant parts of the body, lungs, brain, bones, or other organs. […] In stage IV, 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. […] Recurrent Merkel cell carcinoma is cancer that has come back after it has been treated. If Merkel cell carcinoma comes back, it may come back in the skin, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body. Tests will be done to help determine where the cancer has returned. The type of treatment for recurrent Merkel cell carcinoma will depend on where it has come back.

• #69 Merkel cell carcinoma

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6054450/

  Owing to the nonspecific presentation, clinical diagnosis of MCC is often delayed. […] The acronym AEIOU has been used to recall relevant clinical features of MCC and the patient: asymptomatic, expanding rapidly, immunosuppressed, 50 years of age and UV-exposed. […] Local or distant recurrences usually occur within the first 2-3 years after initial diagnosis; thus, patients whose cancer has not recurred by 3 years are at substantially diminished risk of recurrence.

• #70 Merkel Cell Carcinoma

  https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/

  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. […] Approximately 3,000 new cases of Merkel cell skin cancer are diagnosed annually in the U.S. About 40 percent of cases recur. […] MCC tumors often, but not always, appear on sun-exposed areas of the body. The tumors are not nearly as distinctive as other skin cancers and can appear as a pearly pimple-like lump, sometimes skin-colored, red, purple or bluish-red, though they are rarely tender to the touch. The rapid speed at which they grow is what often causes patients and doctors to take notice. […] 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. Thanks to advances in the field of immunotherapy, MCC survival rates are improving.

• #71 Merkel cell carcinoma

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6054450/

  Owing to the nonspecific presentation, clinical diagnosis of MCC is often delayed. […] The acronym AEIOU has been used to recall relevant clinical features of MCC and the patient: asymptomatic, expanding rapidly, immunosuppressed, 50 years of age and UV-exposed. […] Local or distant recurrences usually occur within the first 2-3 years after initial diagnosis; thus, patients whose cancer has not recurred by 3 years are at substantially diminished risk of recurrence.

• #72 Merkel cell carcinoma: Foothill Dermatology Medical Center: Dermatology

  https://www.foothillderm.com/blog/merkel-cell-carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinoma: This rare skin cancer can appear on the skin as a hard patch or firm bump. […] MCC often appears on skin that has had lots of sun exposure. The MCC tumor tends to: Feel firm. Grow quickly (in a few weeks or months). Have one color, either red, pink, blue, or violet. […] People diagnosed with MCC often say that the lump or patch was painless. […] MCC is an aggressive cancer. It can return after treatment. It often returns within the first 6 to 12 months after diagnosis. For this reason, it is essential to keep all follow-up appointments with your doctors. […] On a positive note, findings from a research study show that patients who do not have cancer in their lymph nodes have an excellent prognosis (outcome). Patients who have stage I, II, or III MCC tend to do better than patients who have MCC that has spread beyond the lymph nodes.

• #73 Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment – NCI

  https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/merkel-cell-treatment-pdq

  Merkel cell carcinoma usually appears as a single painless lump on sun-exposed skin. […] Merkel cell carcinoma tends to grow quickly and to metastasize (spread) at an early stage. It usually spreads first to nearby lymph nodes and then may spread to lymph nodes or skin in distant parts of the body, lungs, brain, bones, or other organs. […] In stage IV, 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. […] Recurrent Merkel cell carcinoma is cancer that has come back after it has been treated. If Merkel cell carcinoma comes back, it may come back in the skin, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body. Tests will be done to help determine where the cancer has returned. The type of treatment for recurrent Merkel cell carcinoma will depend on where it has come back.

• #74 Treatments for Merkel cell carcinoma | Canadian Cancer Society

  https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/skin-non-melanoma/treatment/merkel-cell-carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinoma usually develops in people over 50 years old who have had significant UV light exposure. […] Merkel cell carcinoma usually starts on areas of skin exposed to the sun, especially the head, neck, arms and legs. It can appear as a firm and raised lump on the skin. The lump can be red, purple or blue and is not usually painful. It grows and spreads quickly (is aggressive), so new lumps may form on nearby skin. Lymph nodes may also become larger than normal, especially in the neck or under the arm. Merkel cell carcinoma often comes back after it’s treated (recurs). […] Recurrent Merkel cell carcinoma means that the cancer has come back after it has been treated. If it comes back in the same place that the cancer first started, its called local recurrence. If it comes back in tissues or lymph nodes close to where it first started, its called regional recurrence. It can also recur in another part of the body. This is called distant recurrence.

• #75 Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Symptoms, Causes, Stages & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17971-merkel-cell-carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive type of skin cancer that can be life-threatening. The cancer affects your skins outer layer, or epidermis. It often spreads to lymph nodes and organs. […] Merkel cell carcinoma tends to spread quickly to other parts of your body and often comes back after treatment. […] Tumors from Merkel cell carcinoma typically appear on sun-exposed areas of skin. You may notice a shiny or pearly lump on an area of skin that gets a lot of sun exposure. […] The lumps most commonly appear on your face, neck, arms or eyelids. […] Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive cancer that spreads quickly to other parts of your body. When cancer spreads from its primary site, you have metastatic cancer. […] Merkel cell carcinoma most commonly spreads to your lymphatic system (lymph nodes) first. From there, it may spread to other parts of your body like your bones, lungs, brain or other organs. Merkel cell carcinoma can be fatal. […] Merkel cell carcinoma often returns after treatment. You may need to see your healthcare provider every three to four months for the first several years and get imaging scans to check for cancer recurrence.

• #76 Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Skin – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482329/

  Those with metastatic disease are best managed through a multidisciplinary tumor board. […] Unfortunately, because of the aggressive nature of the disease, cytotoxic chemotherapy has been shown to provide patients with only three months of progression-free survival. […] However, immune-based therapies have demonstrated promising results in clinical trials. […] 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. […] If the lesion is metastatic at the time of diagnosis, survival past 12 months is rare.

• #77 Merkel Cell Carcinoma – EyeWiki

  https://eyewiki.org/Merkel_Cell_Carcinoma

  Unfortunately, the estimated 3-year mortality rate for all patients with MCC is around 33%, higher than that of even melanoma (approximately 15%). […] A review of 255 MCC patients found a 97% 5-year survival rate in pathologically node negative patients, dropping to 52% with patients with pathologically positive nodes. […] If distant metastases are present at the time of diagnosis, expected survival is 10% at three years. […] Again, early biopsy for suspicious lesions and prompt diagnosis is of utmost importance to maximize ocular and oncologic outcomes for patients with MCC.

• #78 Merkel Cell Carcinoma | MD Anderson Cancer Center

  https://www.mdanderson.org/cancer-types/skin-cancer/merkel-cell-carcinoma.html

  Merkel cell carcinoma symptoms include: […] A single lump that is often painless. The lump is firm and often red or violet in color. It usually appears in places that get lots of sun exposure, including the head, neck, arms and legs. In some cases, the lump may break open and bleed. […] Swollen lymph nodes near the cancer site. This is a symptom in people who have more advanced disease. […] In general, any new or changing spots on your skin that persist for two weeks or more should be brought to your doctor’s attention. […] These symptoms do not always mean you have cancer. However, it is important to discuss any symptoms with your doctor since they may signal other health problems. […] Merkel cell carcinoma is aggressive. It can quickly grow and spread. If the disease is caught before it has spread, the five-year survival rate is 75%. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, it is 64%. Merkel cell carcinoma that has spread to distant sites has a 24% survival rate.

• #79 Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Skin – MD Searchlight

  https://mdsearchlight.com/cancer/merkel-cell-carcinoma-of-the-skin/

  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and serious type of skin cancer that often has spread to nearby or distant body parts at the time its diagnosed. The patients outlook depends on how advanced the cancer is when its first found. Statistics suggest that after five years, 51% of patients with localized cancer are still alive, falling to 35% for patients with cancer that has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and 14% for patients where the disease has spread more widely. […] One of the best predictors of long-term survival without the disease coming back is whether a biopsy of the sentinel lymph nodes (the first lymph nodes the cancer is likely to spread to) does not find any cancer cells. This is particularly true for patients diagnosed at an early stage.

• #80 Merkel Cell Carcinoma – EyeWiki

  https://eyewiki.org/Merkel_Cell_Carcinoma

  Unfortunately, the estimated 3-year mortality rate for all patients with MCC is around 33%, higher than that of even melanoma (approximately 15%). […] A review of 255 MCC patients found a 97% 5-year survival rate in pathologically node negative patients, dropping to 52% with patients with pathologically positive nodes. […] If distant metastases are present at the time of diagnosis, expected survival is 10% at three years. […] Again, early biopsy for suspicious lesions and prompt diagnosis is of utmost importance to maximize ocular and oncologic outcomes for patients with MCC.

• #81 Merkel-Cell Carcinoma | Enhanced Dental CPD Online

  https://www.dentaljuce.com/shorts-merkel-cell-carcinoma

  MCC usually presents as a firm nodule or mass, flesh-coloured, red, or blue, varying in size from 0.5 cm to over 5 cm and potentially enlarging rapidly. […] Tumours can be painless, tender or itchy, and may present as papules or plaques. […] The acronym AEIOU (Asymptomatic, Expanding rapidly, Immune suppression, Older than 50 years, and Ultraviolet-exposed site on a person with fair skin) summarises key attributes of MCC. […] Ninety percent of MCC cases have three or more of these features. […] MCC is often mistaken for other cancers or benign cysts and tends to invade locally, infiltrating underlying subcutaneous fat, fascia, and muscle, and metastasizing early, most often to regional lymph nodes, liver, lung, brain, and bone. […] Prognosis varies significantly by stage at diagnosis, with five-year survival rates ranging from 80% for stage IA to 20% for stage IV. Factors influencing prognosis include MCV viral status, histological features, and immune status.

• #82 Merkel Cell Carcinoma – EyeWiki

  https://eyewiki.org/Merkel_Cell_Carcinoma

  Unfortunately, the estimated 3-year mortality rate for all patients with MCC is around 33%, higher than that of even melanoma (approximately 15%). […] A review of 255 MCC patients found a 97% 5-year survival rate in pathologically node negative patients, dropping to 52% with patients with pathologically positive nodes. […] If distant metastases are present at the time of diagnosis, expected survival is 10% at three years. […] Again, early biopsy for suspicious lesions and prompt diagnosis is of utmost importance to maximize ocular and oncologic outcomes for patients with MCC.

• #83 Merkel Cell Carcinoma

  https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/

  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. […] Approximately 3,000 new cases of Merkel cell skin cancer are diagnosed annually in the U.S. About 40 percent of cases recur. […] MCC tumors often, but not always, appear on sun-exposed areas of the body. The tumors are not nearly as distinctive as other skin cancers and can appear as a pearly pimple-like lump, sometimes skin-colored, red, purple or bluish-red, though they are rarely tender to the touch. The rapid speed at which they grow is what often causes patients and doctors to take notice. […] 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. Thanks to advances in the field of immunotherapy, MCC survival rates are improving.

• #84 Merkel Cell Carcinoma | Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment | MedStar Health

  https://www.medstarhealth.org/services/merkel-cell-carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer that can grow quickly and spread rapidly to lymph nodes and other parts of the body. […] The most common warning sign is a shiny, painless nodule on the skin. Many people with Merkel cell carcinoma seek care after noticing a small, shiny pimple-like bump that grows. […] It’s important to remember that this cancer can look different for everyone. In general, you should talk to your primary care doctor or dermatologist if you notice a change to your skin, such as a lesion or bump that expands quickly over weeks or months. […] Early detection significantly improves Merkel cell carcinoma survival rates, so seek care as soon as you notice a bump, freckle, or mole that looks unusual. Even if it ends up being nothing, it’s always better to know rather than to wait and risk it being something serious.

• #85 Merkel Cell Carcinoma | MD Anderson Cancer Center

  https://www.mdanderson.org/cancer-types/skin-cancer/merkel-cell-carcinoma.html

  Merkel cell carcinoma symptoms include: […] A single lump that is often painless. The lump is firm and often red or violet in color. It usually appears in places that get lots of sun exposure, including the head, neck, arms and legs. In some cases, the lump may break open and bleed. […] Swollen lymph nodes near the cancer site. This is a symptom in people who have more advanced disease. […] In general, any new or changing spots on your skin that persist for two weeks or more should be brought to your doctor’s attention. […] These symptoms do not always mean you have cancer. However, it is important to discuss any symptoms with your doctor since they may signal other health problems. […] Merkel cell carcinoma is aggressive. It can quickly grow and spread. If the disease is caught before it has spread, the five-year survival rate is 75%. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, it is 64%. Merkel cell carcinoma that has spread to distant sites has a 24% survival rate.

• #86 Merkel Cell Cancer: Symptoms, Treatments and Prognosis – UC Health

  https://www.uchealth.com/en/conditions/merkel-cell-carcinoma

  Most of the time, Merkel cell tumors are found on areas of skin exposed to the sun. These include the face, neck, and arms. But they can start anywhere on the body. They often look like firm, shiny lumps that dont hurt. The lumps may be red, pink, or blue. They tend to grow very quickly. […] MCC can be dangerous because it tends to grow and spread quickly. It can be hard to treat if it spreads beyond the skin.

• #87 Merkel Cell Carcinoma | MD Anderson Cancer Center

  https://www.mdanderson.org/cancer-types/skin-cancer/merkel-cell-carcinoma.html

  Merkel cell carcinoma symptoms include: […] A single lump that is often painless. The lump is firm and often red or violet in color. It usually appears in places that get lots of sun exposure, including the head, neck, arms and legs. In some cases, the lump may break open and bleed. […] Swollen lymph nodes near the cancer site. This is a symptom in people who have more advanced disease. […] In general, any new or changing spots on your skin that persist for two weeks or more should be brought to your doctor’s attention. […] These symptoms do not always mean you have cancer. However, it is important to discuss any symptoms with your doctor since they may signal other health problems. […] Merkel cell carcinoma is aggressive. It can quickly grow and spread. If the disease is caught before it has spread, the five-year survival rate is 75%. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, it is 64%. Merkel cell carcinoma that has spread to distant sites has a 24% survival rate.

• #88 Merkel Cell Carcinoma Warning Signs and Images

  https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/mcc-warning-signs/

  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is rare and dangerous but treatable, especially when found at an early stage. Be watchful for any new or changing lesions on your skin and look out for these warning signs. […] While rare, Merkel cell carcinomas are often aggressive and can advance rapidly which is why early detection and removal are especially important. […] Since MCCs can progress rapidly and become more difficult to treat, it’s crucial to understand your risks and warning signs. […] Since MCC is a rare and aggressive cancer, delayed detection, diagnosis and treatment are especially concerning, because as the disease progresses, treatment becomes more difficult and the risk of recurrence increases.

• #89 Merkel Cell Carcinoma: What to Know

  https://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/merkel-cell-carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinoma can grow in size and spread to other parts of your body quickly. The key to fighting this type of skin cancer is to spot it early and treat it. […] Symptoms include: A raised or dome-shaped sore that looks red, pink, or purple. The bump grows quickly, usually within a few weeks or months. The bumpy sore might be firm and painless to touch. The sore shows up on your face, head, or neck the most sun-exposed parts of the body. The sore appears after you’re 50 years of age or older. […] While this type of skin cancer is more common among older fair-skinned people, people of color and young people also get it. But it’s very rare and the symptoms might look slightly different. […] Because Merkel cell carcinoma is often painless and looks harmless, you might mistake it for: A bug bite, Sore, Cyst, Stye (a painful lump by your eyelid), Pimple. […] The cancerous bump tends to grow fast in size and can quickly spread to other parts of your body.

• #90 Signs and Symptoms of Merkel Cell Carcinoma | American Cancer Society

  https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/merkel-cell-skin-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html

  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) usually starts on areas of skin exposed to the sun, especially the face, neck, arms, and legs, but it can occur anywhere on the body. […] The first sign of Merkel cell carcinoma is often a single pink, red, or purple shiny bump that usually doesn’t hurt. Sometimes the skin on the top of the tumor breaks open and bleeds. […] These tumors tend to grow quickly. They might spread as new lumps in the nearby skin. They might also reach nearby lymph nodes (small collections of immune system cells throughout the body). Over time, the lymph nodes might grow large enough to be seen or felt as lumps under the skin (usually in the neck or under the arm). […] Its very important to have any new, growing, or changing lumps, bumps, or spots on your skin checked by a doctor as soon as possible, so that the cause can be found and treated, if needed. The earlier any type of skin cancer is found, the easier its likely to be to treat it.

• #91 Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) > Fact Sheets > Yale Medicine

  https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/merkel-cell-carcinoma-mcc

  Symptoms include a single, firm, painless, shiny, pink, red, or purple bump on the skin […] People who have Merkel cell carcinoma may notice a new bump on their skin that has some or all of the following qualities: Reddish-purple color (sometimes pinkish or bluish), Raised and rounded, like a dome, Hard to the touch, Painless, Shiny, smooth skin, Expanding in size over a short period of time. […] Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive form of skin cancer. The condition is most common among fair-skinned people of European ancestry, but can also affect individuals with a darker complexion. […] 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. But those numbers worsen if the cancer spreads regionally or to distant locations in the body, underlining the importance of early detection and treatment. […] 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.

• #92 Skin cancer types: Merkel cell carcinoma signs & symptoms

  https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/common/merkel-cell/symptoms

  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare skin cancer that often looks harmless. People can mistake it for a: […] This skin cancer often develops on the head or neck and can look like a sore. […] Because MCC is so aggressive, finding it early can be life-saving. Key facts about this skin cancer that can help you find it early are that MCC tends to: […] Grow quickly: It usually becomes noticeably bigger in a few weeks to months. […] Be pink, red, or purple […] Feel painless […] Develop on the head or neck: While it can develop anywhere on the skin, it usually appears on skin thats gotten lots of sun over the years, such as the head or neck. […] Appear after 50 years of age: Research shows that 97% of people who develop this rare skin cancer are older than 50. Most people are in their 70s or 80s when diagnosed with MCC.

• #93 Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment – NCI

  https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/merkel-cell-treatment-pdq

  Merkel cell carcinoma usually appears as a single painless lump on sun-exposed skin. […] Merkel cell carcinoma tends to grow quickly and to metastasize (spread) at an early stage. It usually spreads first to nearby lymph nodes and then may spread to lymph nodes or skin in distant parts of the body, lungs, brain, bones, or other organs. […] In stage IV, 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. […] Recurrent Merkel cell carcinoma is cancer that has come back after it has been treated. If Merkel cell carcinoma comes back, it may come back in the skin, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body. Tests will be done to help determine where the cancer has returned. The type of treatment for recurrent Merkel cell carcinoma will depend on where it has come back.

• #94 Merkel Cell Carcinoma

  https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/

  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. […] Approximately 3,000 new cases of Merkel cell skin cancer are diagnosed annually in the U.S. About 40 percent of cases recur. […] MCC tumors often, but not always, appear on sun-exposed areas of the body. The tumors are not nearly as distinctive as other skin cancers and can appear as a pearly pimple-like lump, sometimes skin-colored, red, purple or bluish-red, though they are rarely tender to the touch. The rapid speed at which they grow is what often causes patients and doctors to take notice. […] 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. Thanks to advances in the field of immunotherapy, MCC survival rates are improving.

• #95 Merkel cell carcinoma

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6054450/

  Owing to the nonspecific presentation, clinical diagnosis of MCC is often delayed. […] The acronym AEIOU has been used to recall relevant clinical features of MCC and the patient: asymptomatic, expanding rapidly, immunosuppressed, 50 years of age and UV-exposed. […] Local or distant recurrences usually occur within the first 2-3 years after initial diagnosis; thus, patients whose cancer has not recurred by 3 years are at substantially diminished risk of recurrence.

• #96 Merkel Cell Carcinoma | MD Anderson Cancer Center

  https://www.mdanderson.org/cancer-types/skin-cancer/merkel-cell-carcinoma.html

  Merkel cell carcinoma symptoms include: […] A single lump that is often painless. The lump is firm and often red or violet in color. It usually appears in places that get lots of sun exposure, including the head, neck, arms and legs. In some cases, the lump may break open and bleed. […] Swollen lymph nodes near the cancer site. This is a symptom in people who have more advanced disease. […] In general, any new or changing spots on your skin that persist for two weeks or more should be brought to your doctor’s attention. […] These symptoms do not always mean you have cancer. However, it is important to discuss any symptoms with your doctor since they may signal other health problems. […] Merkel cell carcinoma is aggressive. It can quickly grow and spread. If the disease is caught before it has spread, the five-year survival rate is 75%. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, it is 64%. Merkel cell carcinoma that has spread to distant sites has a 24% survival rate.

• #97 Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Skin – MD Searchlight

  https://mdsearchlight.com/cancer/merkel-cell-carcinoma-of-the-skin/

  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and serious type of skin cancer that often has spread to nearby or distant body parts at the time its diagnosed. The patients outlook depends on how advanced the cancer is when its first found. Statistics suggest that after five years, 51% of patients with localized cancer are still alive, falling to 35% for patients with cancer that has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and 14% for patients where the disease has spread more widely. […] One of the best predictors of long-term survival without the disease coming back is whether a biopsy of the sentinel lymph nodes (the first lymph nodes the cancer is likely to spread to) does not find any cancer cells. This is particularly true for patients diagnosed at an early stage.

• #98 Merkel Cell Carcinoma | Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment | MedStar Health

  https://www.medstarhealth.org/services/merkel-cell-carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer that can grow quickly and spread rapidly to lymph nodes and other parts of the body. […] The most common warning sign is a shiny, painless nodule on the skin. Many people with Merkel cell carcinoma seek care after noticing a small, shiny pimple-like bump that grows. […] It’s important to remember that this cancer can look different for everyone. In general, you should talk to your primary care doctor or dermatologist if you notice a change to your skin, such as a lesion or bump that expands quickly over weeks or months. […] Early detection significantly improves Merkel cell carcinoma survival rates, so seek care as soon as you notice a bump, freckle, or mole that looks unusual. Even if it ends up being nothing, it’s always better to know rather than to wait and risk it being something serious.

• #99 Merkel Cell Carcinoma | MD Anderson Cancer Center

  https://www.mdanderson.org/cancer-types/skin-cancer/merkel-cell-carcinoma.html

  Merkel cell carcinoma symptoms include: […] A single lump that is often painless. The lump is firm and often red or violet in color. It usually appears in places that get lots of sun exposure, including the head, neck, arms and legs. In some cases, the lump may break open and bleed. […] Swollen lymph nodes near the cancer site. This is a symptom in people who have more advanced disease. […] In general, any new or changing spots on your skin that persist for two weeks or more should be brought to your doctor’s attention. […] These symptoms do not always mean you have cancer. However, it is important to discuss any symptoms with your doctor since they may signal other health problems. […] Merkel cell carcinoma is aggressive. It can quickly grow and spread. If the disease is caught before it has spread, the five-year survival rate is 75%. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, it is 64%. Merkel cell carcinoma that has spread to distant sites has a 24% survival rate.

• #100 Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Symptoms, Causes, Stages & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17971-merkel-cell-carcinoma

  Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive type of skin cancer that can be life-threatening. The cancer affects your skins outer layer, or epidermis. It often spreads to lymph nodes and organs. […] Merkel cell carcinoma tends to spread quickly to other parts of your body and often comes back after treatment. […] Tumors from Merkel cell carcinoma typically appear on sun-exposed areas of skin. You may notice a shiny or pearly lump on an area of skin that gets a lot of sun exposure. […] The lumps most commonly appear on your face, neck, arms or eyelids. […] Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive cancer that spreads quickly to other parts of your body. When cancer spreads from its primary site, you have metastatic cancer. […] Merkel cell carcinoma most commonly spreads to your lymphatic system (lymph nodes) first. From there, it may spread to other parts of your body like your bones, lungs, brain or other organs. Merkel cell carcinoma can be fatal. […] Merkel cell carcinoma often returns after treatment. You may need to see your healthcare provider every three to four months for the first several years and get imaging scans to check for cancer recurrence.

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