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Merkel cell carcinoma is a very rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the skin. Sun exposure and having a weak immune system can affect the risk of developing Merkel cell carcinoma. Merkel cell carcinoma usually appears as a single painless lump on sun-exposed skin. Tests and procedures that examine the skin are used to detect (find) and diagnose Merkel cell carcinoma. Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.

Merkel cell carcinoma is a very rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the skin.

Merkel cells are hormone -making cells found in the top layer of the skin. These cells are very close to the nerve endings that receive the sensation of touch. Merkel cell carcinoma, also called neuroendocrine carcinoma, is a very rare type of skin cancer that develops when Merkel cells grow out of control. Merkel cell carcinoma starts most often in areas of skin exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck, arms, and legs.

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Anatomy of the skin, showing the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. Merkel cells are in the layer of basal cells at the deepest part of the epidermis and are connected to nerves.

Merkel cell carcinoma tends to grow quickly and to metastasize (spread) at an early stage. It spreads first to nearby lymph nodes and then may spread to the liver, bone, lungs, brain, or other parts of the body.

Sun exposure and having a weak immune system can affect the risk of developing Merkel cell carcinoma.

Risk factors include the following:

• Being exposed to a lot of natural sunlight.
• Being exposed to artificial sunlight, such as during treatment for psoriasis.
• Having an immune system weakened by disease, such as HIV infection.
• Taking drugs that make the immune system less active, such as after an organ transplant.
• Having a history of other types of skin cancer, such as basal cell or squamous cell cancer.
• Being older than 70 years, male, or white.

Merkel cell carcinoma usually appears as a single painless lump on sun-exposed skin.

This and other changes in the skin may be caused by Merkel cell carcinoma. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if changes in the skin are seen.

Merkel cell carcinoma usually appears on sun-exposed skin as a single lump that is:

• Fast-growing.
• Painless.
• Firm and dome-shaped or raised.
• Red or violet in color.

Tests and procedures that examine the skin are used to detect (find) and diagnose Merkel cell carcinoma.

The following tests and procedures may be used:

• Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient’s health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
• Full-body skin exam: A doctor or nurse checks the skin for bumps or spots that look abnormal in color, size, shape, or texture. The size, shape, and texture of the lymph nodes will also be checked.
• Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer. To diagnose Merkel cell carcinoma, cells are treated with a special stain and viewed with an electron microscope.

Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.

The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:

• The stage of the cancer (the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body).
• Where the cancer is in the body.
• Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back).
• The patient's age and general health.

Prognosis also depends on how deeply the tumor has grown into the skin.

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