{"id":591,"date":"2019-03-07T16:10:05","date_gmt":"2019-03-07T16:10:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/scfredesignpro.wpengine.com\/?page_id=591"},"modified":"2025-04-22T14:25:40","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T14:25:40","slug":"merkel-cell-carcinoma","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/merkel-cell-carcinoma\/","title":{"rendered":"Merkel Cell Carcinoma"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_section][\/vc_section][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);\">Overview<\/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;A Rare, Aggressive Skin Cancer&#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;]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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How rare is it?<\/strong> Approximately 3,000 new cases of Merkel cell skin cancer are diagnosed annually in the U.S. About 40 percent of cases recur. Fortunately, options for managing recurrent disease have increased markedly with the introduction of immunotherapy treatments.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;callout&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC)<\/strong> is 40 times more rare than melanoma, with an estimated one case per 130,000 people in the U.S.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Risk factors for MCC include <a href=\"http:\/\/skincancer.org\/risk-factors\/sunburn\/\">sun exposure<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/skincancer.org\/risk-factors\/skin-type\/\">light skin<\/a>, age over 50 and a weakened immune system.[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1693933430087{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 25px !important;padding-bottom: 25px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;callout&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ui-provider fy b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\" dir=\"ltr\">Singer-songwriter <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/celebrities-skin-cancer\/\">Jimmy Buffett<\/a> battled MCC for four years prior to passing away on September 1, 2023. Buffett continued to perform throughout treatment for the disease before his death at age 76.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/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=\"#what\">What is a Merkel cell?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#look\">What does MCC look like?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#dangerous\">How dangerous is MCC?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#survivor\">A survivor&#8217;s story<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/merkel-cell-carcinoma\/dr-nghiem-qa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Q&amp;A with Dr. Nghiem<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carcinomasandkeratoses.org\/hot-topics-in-the-care-of-patients-with-merkel-cell-carcinoma\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hot topics in the care of patients with MCC<\/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;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;Warning Signs&#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-warning-signs%2F|title:Merkel%20Cell%20Carcinoma%20Warning%20Signs||&#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;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][vc_row el_class=&#8221;content-block&#8221; el_id=&#8221;what&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;What is a Merkel cell?&#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]Merkel cells are located deep in the top layer of skin. Merkel cells are connected to nerves, signaling touch sensation as \u201ctouch receptors.\u201d MCC was named after Merkel cells due to the similar microscopic features; however, recent research suggests that it is unlikely that MCC originates directly from normal Merkel cells.[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;2010&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;caption&#8221;]Normal Merkel cells in the skin: In this illustration of a cross-section of the skin, normal Merkel cells are shown in red and connect to nerves shown in yellow. The structures drawn include the epidermis (upper third), dermis (middle), and deeper adipose layer containing the fatty tissue. Arteries are depicted in red and veins are blue. <em>Figure copyright by Paul Nghiem &amp; Quade Medical Group.<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=&#8221;content-block&#8221; el_id=&#8221;look&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;What does MCC look like?&#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\">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.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_carousel_father arrow=&#8221;true&#8221; dot=&#8221;false&#8221; speed=&#8221;950&#8243; arrowclr=&#8221;#155bc4&#8243;][vc_carousel_son image_id=&#8221;2870&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">A recurrence of Merkel cell carcinoma on the forehead.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_carousel_son][vc_carousel_son image_id=&#8221;2869&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Merkel cell carcinoma on the lower leg.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_carousel_son][\/vc_carousel_father][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]<em>Please note: Since not all Merkel cell carcinomas have the same appearance, these photos serve as a general reference for what MCC can look like. If you see something new, changing or unusual on your skin, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Photos courtesy of Paul Nghiem, MD, PhD<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=&#8221;content-block&#8221; el_id=&#8221;dangerous&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;How dangerous is MCC?&#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]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. <a href=\"http:\/\/skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/merkel-cell-carcinoma\/mcc-treatment\/\">Treatment<\/a> 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.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=&#8221;content-block&#8221; el_id=&#8221;survivor&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;A survivor&#8217;s story&#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_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_video link=&#8221;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=lLT0sNd-D-U&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text]When Luis found out he had Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare form of skin cancer, he was determined to beat it. He shares his harrowing journey from diagnosis to treatment.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text]<strong><em><br \/>\nReviewed by:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Sandra D\u2019Angelo, MD<\/em><br \/>\n<em>Paul Nghiem, MD, PhD<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Last updated:<\/strong> September 2023<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column 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 newsletter<\/a><\/h5>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; el_id=&#8221;nghiem&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1564448064817{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row_content_no_spaces&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1564448102525{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_cta h2=&#8221;Insights on progress in detection, monitoring and treatment of patients with Merkel cell carcinoma.&#8221; txt_align=&#8221;center&#8221; shape=&#8221;square&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/merkel-cell-carcinoma\/dr-nghiem-qa\/\">Q&amp;A with MCC expert Dr. Paul Nghiem<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>[\/vc_cta][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; el_class=&#8221;news&#8221;][vc_row][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_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_basic_grid post_type=&#8221;post&#8221; max_items=&#8221;3&#8243; item=&#8221;326&#8243; initial_loading_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; grid_id=&#8221;vc_gid:1745331926047-a672a73b-d6fb-9&#8243; taxonomies=&#8221;31&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1562772272485{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; offset=&#8221;vc_col-sm-offset-4&#8243;][vc_cta h2=&#8221;SHARE YOUR STORY&#8221; h2_font_container=&#8221;color:%23ffcc42&#8243; h2_use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; txt_align=&#8221;center&#8221; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; color=&#8221;white&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;bottom&#8221; i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fas fa-arrow-right&#8221; i_color=&#8221;black&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1582841661455{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 33px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}&#8221; use_custom_fonts_h2=&#8221;true&#8221; i_link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.skincancer.org%2Fget-involved%2Fshare-your-story%2F|||&#8221; el_class=&#8221;story&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Want to spread the word about skin cancer awareness? Complete the form and you may end up on our website.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_cta][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_section][\/vc_section][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\u00a0Overview [\/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;A Rare, Aggressive Skin Cancer&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|text_align:center&#8221; [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2868,"parent":8,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-591","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) - 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