{"id":2016,"date":"2019-05-29T16:20:03","date_gmt":"2019-05-29T16:20:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/scfredesignpro.wpengine.com\/?page_id=2016"},"modified":"2025-04-22T14:28:01","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T14:28:01","slug":"mcc-warning-signs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/merkel-cell-carcinoma\/mcc-warning-signs\/","title":{"rendered":"Merkel Cell Carcinoma Warning Signs and Images"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;small translation&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\">Translation:\u00a0\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/skincancer.org\/international\/le-cancer-de-la-cellule-de-merkel\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2507\" src=\"https:\/\/skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/france-flag-icon-16.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"11\" \/><\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/skincancer.org\/international\/merkelzell-karzinom-mcc\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-2508\" src=\"https:\/\/skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/germany-flag-icon-16.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"10\" \/><\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/skincancer.org\/international\/il-carcinoma-a-cellule-di-merkel\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-2509\" src=\"https:\/\/skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/italy-flag-icon-16.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"11\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/international\/el-carcinoma-de-celulas-de-merkel\/\">En Espa\u00f1ol<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">Merkel Cell Carcinoma\u00a0<span style=\"color: rgba(50,63,74,0.65);\">Warning Signs<\/span><\/h1>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column offset=&#8221;vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;What You Need to Know&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|text_align:center&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;9\/12&#8243;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;large&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><b>If you\u2019ve been treated<\/b> for a previous MCC, pay close attention to the site and the surrounding region. Contact your medical team immediately if you see any suspicious changes.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;page-nav&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#aeiou\">Risk factors and warning signs = AEIOU<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#challenges\">Challenges in diagnosis<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#do\">What you can do<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1532456871168{background-color: #323f4a !important;}&#8221;][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/5&#8243; el_class=&#8221;subpage-nav&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Overview&#8221; style=&#8221;custom&#8221; custom_background=&#8221;#323f4a&#8221; custom_text=&#8221;#ffcc42&#8243; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;lg&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; i_align=&#8221;right&#8221; i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-arrow-right&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.skincancer.org%2Fskin-cancer-information%2Fmerkel-cell-carcinoma%2F|||&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/5&#8243; el_class=&#8221;subpage-nav&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Stages&#8221; style=&#8221;custom&#8221; custom_background=&#8221;#323f4a&#8221; custom_text=&#8221;#ffcc42&#8243; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;lg&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; i_align=&#8221;right&#8221; i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-arrow-right&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skincancer.org%2Fskin-cancer-information%2Fmerkel-cell-carcinoma%2Fstages%2F|title:Merkel%20Cell%20Carcinoma%20Stages||&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/5&#8243; el_class=&#8221;subpage-nav&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Risk Factors&#8221; style=&#8221;custom&#8221; custom_background=&#8221;#323f4a&#8221; custom_text=&#8221;#ffcc42&#8243; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;lg&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; i_align=&#8221;right&#8221; i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-arrow-right&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skincancer.org%2Fskin-cancer-information%2Fmerkel-cell-carcinoma%2Frisk-factors%2F|title:Merkel%20Cell%20Carcinoma%20Risk%20Factors||&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/5&#8243; el_class=&#8221;subpage-nav&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Treatment&#8221; style=&#8221;custom&#8221; custom_background=&#8221;#323f4a&#8221; custom_text=&#8221;#ffcc42&#8243; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;lg&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; i_align=&#8221;right&#8221; i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-arrow-right&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skincancer.org%2Fskin-cancer-information%2Fmerkel-cell-carcinoma%2Fmcc-treatment%2F|title:Merkel%20Cell%20Carcinoma%20Treatment||&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/5&#8243; el_class=&#8221;subpage-nav&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Patient Support&#8221; style=&#8221;custom&#8221; custom_background=&#8221;#323f4a&#8221; custom_text=&#8221;#ffcc42&#8243; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;lg&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; i_align=&#8221;right&#8221; i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fas fa-arrow-right&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.skincancer.org%2Fskin-cancer-information%2Fmerkel-cell-carcinoma%2Fmcc-patient-support%2F|title:Merkel%20Cell%20Carcinoma%20Patient%20Support%20Center||&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; el_class=&#8221;stat&#8221;][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243; offset=&#8221;vc_col-sm-offset-2&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;How to spot a Merkel Cell Carcinoma&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h5|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; offset=&#8221;vc_col-sm-offset-2&#8243;][vc_column_text]<span class=\"medium-stat\">APPEARANCE\u00a0<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2020\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/mirror.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"25\" height=\"36\" \/><\/span><br \/>\nPainless shiny or pearly lesions or nodules<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"medium-stat\">SIZE\u00a0<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2022\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/size.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"23\" height=\"21\" \/><\/span><br \/>\nDimensions vary, but the average size at detection is 1.7 cm, about the diameter of a dime.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text]<span class=\"medium-stat\">COLOR\u00a0<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2023\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/color.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"26\" height=\"29\" \/><\/span><br \/>\nSkin-colored, red, purple or bluish-red<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"medium-stat\">LOCATION\u00a0<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2024\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/location.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"21\" height=\"25\" \/><\/span><br \/>\nFrequently on sun-exposed areas, often on the head and neck, particularly the eyelids.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section][vc_row el_class=&#8221;content-block&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_video link=&#8221;https:\/\/youtu.be\/_kFEIJzO0AU&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text]While rare, Merkel cell carcinomas are often aggressive and can advance rapidly which is why early detection and removal are especially important. Memorial Sloan Kettering oncologist Sandra D&#8217;Angelo, MD, shares some important warning signs you should never ignore.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_row el_class=&#8221;content-block&#8221; el_id=&#8221;aeiou&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Risk factors + warning signs = AEIOU&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Since MCCs can progress rapidly and become more difficult to treat, it\u2019s crucial to understand your <b>risks<\/b> and <b>warning signs<\/b>. This AEIOU summary combines key points from both to help you with early detection.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\"><b>A<\/b>:\u00a0<b>ASYMPTOMATIC<\/b> lesion, not painful or tender<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><b>E<\/b>:\u00a0Lesion is <b>EXPANDING<\/b> rapidly<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><b>I<\/b>:\u00a0You are <b>IMMUNO<\/b>suppressed<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><b>O<\/b>:\u00a0You are <b>OLDER<\/b> than 50<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><b>U<\/b>:\u00a0The lesion appears on <b>UV<\/b>-exposed skin<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\">In a study of 195 patients, 89 percent of MCC patients presented with three or more of the \u201cAEIOU\u201d characteristics.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;1881&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=&#8221;caption&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]Left photo: Merkel cell carcinoma, local recurrence, forehead<\/p>\n<p>Right photo: Merkel cell carcinoma, primary tumor, lower arm<\/p>\n<p><em>Photos courtesy of Paul Nghiem, MD, PhD<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><i>Please note: Since not all MCCs have the same appearance, these pictures of Merkel cell carcinoma serve as a general reference for what MCC can look like. If you see anything NEW, CHANGING or UNUSUAL on your skin, go get checked by a dermatologist. <\/i><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;3408&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-top: -20px;\">Merkel cell carcinoma on woman&#8217;s left eyelid.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;3409&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-top: -20px;\">Merkel cell carcinoma on arm. <em>Photos courtesy of Paul Nghiem, MD, PhD<\/em><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=&#8221;content-block&#8221; el_id=&#8221;challenges&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Challenges in diagnosis&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Diagnosis and management of Merkel cell carcinoma presents distinct challenges, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Misdiagnosis<\/b>: 56 percent of MCCs are believed to be benign when initially examined by physicians, who may mistake the tumors for cysts or infected hair follicles.<\/li>\n<li><b>Delayed medical attention<\/b>: Medical care is often not sought early as these lesions do not appear concerning. About 5 percent of MCCs occur in mucosal sites such as the mouth, nasal cavity and throat, where these painless lesions are hard to spot before the disease has advanced.<\/li>\n<li><b>Undetectable<\/b>: In one study, 14 percent of MCCs were initially discovered in the lymph nodes already, without any tumor being identified.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\">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.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=&#8221;content-block&#8221; el_id=&#8221;do&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;What you can do&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Examine your skin<\/strong>\u00a0head-to-toe every month.<\/li>\n<li><b>See your dermatologist every year<\/b>\u00a0for a professional skin exam. If you are newly diagnosed with MCC, seek a consultation with a multidisciplinary expert. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/merkel-cell-carcinoma\/mcc-patient-support\/#treatment\">Find a specialist here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><b>If you\u2019ve had an MCC<\/b>, follow up regularly with your dermatologist once treatment is complete. Follow the exam schedule your doctor recommends \u2014 it\u2019s the best way to quickly detect a recurrence. Consider getting the AMERK biomarker blood test that can help detect recurrences early. Learn more <a href=\"https:\/\/merkelcell.org\/testing-and-diagnosis\/sero\/\">here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><b>Safeguard your skin and avoid unprotected UV exposure.<\/b> It is the single most effective way to reduce your risk of developing MCC.<\/li>\n<li><b>Practice sun-safe habits<\/b>, such as seeking shade and wearing protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day. Sunscreen is a good defense against premature aging and skin cancer. It&#8217;s never too late to start wearing it!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<strong><em>Reviewed by:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Sandra D\u2019Angelo, MD<\/em><br \/>\n<em>Paul Nghiem, MD, PhD<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h5 class=\"newsletter-callout\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/newsletter\/\">Sign up to receive our e-newsletter<\/a><\/h5>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; el_class=&#8221;news&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"sunskinnews\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Sun &amp; Skin News<\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_basic_grid post_type=&#8221;post&#8221; max_items=&#8221;3&#8243; item=&#8221;326&#8243; grid_id=&#8221;vc_gid:1745332072402-a5e4889b-4d2e-6&#8243; taxonomies=&#8221;31&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;small translation&#8221;] Translation:\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 En Espa\u00f1ol [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] Merkel Cell Carcinoma\u00a0Warning Signs [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column offset=&#8221;vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;What You Need to Know&#8221; [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2869,"parent":591,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2016","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.3 (Yoast SEO v25.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Merkel Cell Carcinoma Warning Signs and Images - The Skin Cancer Foundation<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn early warning signs for Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare, aggressive skin cancer. View pictures of MCC and look out for these symptoms.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/merkel-cell-carcinoma\/mcc-warning-signs\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Merkel Cell Carcinoma Warning Signs and Images\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn early warning signs for Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare, aggressive skin cancer. 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