Merkel-cell carcinoma: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Merkel-cell carcinoma | |||
| image = [[File:Merkel_cell_carcinoma_-_very_high_mag.jpg|alt=Micrograph of Merkel-cell carcinoma]] | |||
| caption = Micrograph of Merkel-cell carcinoma | |||
| field = [[Oncology]] | |||
| synonyms = [[Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin]], [[Trabecular carcinoma of the skin]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Painless]], [[firm]], [[shiny]] skin nodule | |||
| complications = [[Metastasis]] | |||
| onset = Typically after age 50 | |||
| duration = Chronic | |||
| causes = [[Merkel cell polyomavirus]], [[Ultraviolet light]] exposure | |||
| risks = [[Immunosuppression]], [[fair skin]], [[excessive sun exposure]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Biopsy]] and [[histopathology]] | |||
| differential = [[Basal cell carcinoma]], [[Squamous cell carcinoma]], [[Melanoma]] | |||
| prevention = [[Sun protection]], [[avoidance of immunosuppression]] | |||
| treatment = [[Surgery]], [[radiation therapy]], [[chemotherapy]], [[immunotherapy]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, depends on stage | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Merkel_cell_carcinoma_arm.jpg|Merkel cell carcinoma on arm|thumb|left]] | |||
[[File:Merkel_Cell_Carcinoma_buttock_45-year-old_woman.jpg|Merkel cell carcinoma on buttock of 45-year-old woman|thumb]] | |||
[[File:Merkelcellcarcinoma_Tag.jpg|Merkel cell carcinoma tag|thumb|left]] | |||
[[File:Micrographs_of_a_typical_merkel_cell_carcinoma.jpg|Micrographs of a typical Merkel cell carcinoma|thumb]] | |||
'''Merkel-cell carcinoma''' ('''MCC''') is a rare and aggressive type of skin cancer that usually appears as a flesh-colored or bluish-red nodule, often on your face, head or neck. Merkel-cell carcinoma is also called '''neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin'''. | '''Merkel-cell carcinoma''' ('''MCC''') is a rare and aggressive type of skin cancer that usually appears as a flesh-colored or bluish-red nodule, often on your face, head or neck. Merkel-cell carcinoma is also called '''neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin'''. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
MCC is believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including long-term sun exposure and a weakened immune system. The Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is also associated with most cases of MCC. | MCC is believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including long-term sun exposure and a weakened immune system. The Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is also associated with most cases of MCC. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The most common symptom of MCC is a fast-growing, painless nodule (bump) on your skin. The nodule may be skin-colored or may appear in shades of red, blue or purple. Most often, the nodule will appear on a sun-exposed area, such as your face, neck or scalp. | The most common symptom of MCC is a fast-growing, painless nodule (bump) on your skin. The nodule may be skin-colored or may appear in shades of red, blue or purple. Most often, the nodule will appear on a sun-exposed area, such as your face, neck or scalp. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of MCC often involves a skin biopsy, where a sample of the suspicious skin is removed and examined under a microscope. Other tests, such as imaging tests and sentinel lymph node biopsy, may also be used to determine the extent of the cancer. | Diagnosis of MCC often involves a skin biopsy, where a sample of the suspicious skin is removed and examined under a microscope. Other tests, such as imaging tests and sentinel lymph node biopsy, may also be used to determine the extent of the cancer. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment options for MCC include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be used. Immunotherapy is a newer treatment option that uses the body's immune system to fight the cancer. | Treatment options for MCC include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be used. Immunotherapy is a newer treatment option that uses the body's immune system to fight the cancer. | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
The prognosis for MCC varies greatly depending on the stage of the disease at diagnosis. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis. | The prognosis for MCC varies greatly depending on the stage of the disease at diagnosis. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Skin cancer]] | * [[Skin cancer]] | ||
* [[Merkel cell]] | * [[Merkel cell]] | ||
* [[Immunotherapy]] | * [[Immunotherapy]] | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
[[Category:Skin cancers]] | [[Category:Skin cancers]] | ||
[[Category:Rare diseases]] | [[Category:Rare diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Oncology]] | [[Category:Oncology]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 10:11, 13 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Merkel-cell carcinoma | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin, Trabecular carcinoma of the skin |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Painless, firm, shiny skin nodule |
| Complications | Metastasis |
| Onset | Typically after age 50 |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Merkel cell polyomavirus, Ultraviolet light exposure |
| Risks | Immunosuppression, fair skin, excessive sun exposure |
| Diagnosis | Biopsy and histopathology |
| Differential diagnosis | Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, Melanoma |
| Prevention | Sun protection, avoidance of immunosuppression |
| Treatment | Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, depends on stage |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Merkel-cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive type of skin cancer that usually appears as a flesh-colored or bluish-red nodule, often on your face, head or neck. Merkel-cell carcinoma is also called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin.
Causes[edit]
MCC is believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including long-term sun exposure and a weakened immune system. The Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is also associated with most cases of MCC.
Symptoms[edit]
The most common symptom of MCC is a fast-growing, painless nodule (bump) on your skin. The nodule may be skin-colored or may appear in shades of red, blue or purple. Most often, the nodule will appear on a sun-exposed area, such as your face, neck or scalp.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of MCC often involves a skin biopsy, where a sample of the suspicious skin is removed and examined under a microscope. Other tests, such as imaging tests and sentinel lymph node biopsy, may also be used to determine the extent of the cancer.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment options for MCC include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be used. Immunotherapy is a newer treatment option that uses the body's immune system to fight the cancer.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for MCC varies greatly depending on the stage of the disease at diagnosis. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
<references />
