Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but highly aggressive form of skin cancer. In fact, it is three to five times more likely to be fatal than melanoma. Despite this, MCC is highly treatable when diagnosed early, which makes awareness and prompt evaluation critical.
MCC is seen most often in adults over age 70, especially men and people with fair skin. Because this cancer can grow and spread quickly, knowing the warning signs and risk factors can help patients seek care sooner and begin treatment as early as possible.
At Goodskin Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists provide expert skin cancer evaluations with a compassionate, patient-focused approach. We take time to listen to your concerns, explain findings clearly and help coordinate next steps in care when specialized treatment is needed.
Keep reading to learn about Merkel cell carcinoma symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options and when to see a dermatologist.
What Is Merkel Cell Carcinoma?
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor that starts in Merkel cells near the top layer of the skin. These cells are part of what helps the body sense touch. When cancer develops in these cells, it can grow quickly and spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Although uncommon, the number of people diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma each year has been increasing over time. Experts believe this may be linked to an aging population, more UV exposure and improved detection methods.
Researchers have also found a connection between MCC and a virus called Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). While many people are exposed to this virus, only a small number go on to develop Merkel cell carcinoma.
How Common Is Merkel Cell Carcinoma?
While rare skin cancer types like MCC are less common, they still require prompt medical attention because of how aggressively they can grow and spread to other parts of the body.
What Makes MCC Different From Other Skin Cancers?
One of the biggest differences is how quickly MCC skin cancer can grow, with some lesions becoming noticeably larger within just a few weeks.
Merkel cell carcinoma also behaves differently from other skin cancers, such as melanoma. The most important differences include:
- It often does not cause pain or discomfort in the early stages
- It may look like a harmless bump, cyst or skin irritation at first
- It can be easy to overlook because it does not always look serious early on
Because of this, patients may not realize the spot needs medical attention right away. That’s why early evaluation by a board-certified dermatologist is critical, especially for any new or fast-changing skin growth.
Symptoms And Early Warning Signs Of MCC
Merkel cell carcinoma most commonly appears on the face, scalp, neck, arms and hands. It often starts as a new spot that does not go away.
Common warning signs include:
- A spot that grows quickly over days or weeks
- A bump that becomes larger in a short time
- A lesion that feels firm when touched
- A spot that does not heal or keeps changing
- A growth that does not cause pain or itching
Because MCC doesn’t usually hurt, it can be easy to overlook or mistake it for a harmless skin issue like a bug bite or cyst.
Knowing these early changes can help patients seek care sooner, when treatment may be more effective.
What Does MCC Look Like?
Merkel cell carcinoma can look different from person to person.
It may appear as:
- A firm, raised bump or nodule on the skin
- A smooth or shiny growth
- A spot that is pink, red, purple or bluish red
- A flesh-colored or skin-toned lesion
- A round or dome-shaped bump
Because it can resemble other harmless skin growths, MCC is not always easy to identify by appearance alone. Any new or unusual spot should be checked by a board-certified dermatologist as soon as possible.
Risk Factors For Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Risk factors for developing Merkel cell carcinoma include:
- Long-term UV exposure
- Fair skin
- Older age
- A weakened immune system
- A history of other skin cancers
- Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV)
People who have received organ transplants or take immune-suppressing medications may also face a higher risk.
While these factors do not guarantee someone will develop MCC skin cancer, they do make regular skin checks more important.
How Is Merkel Cell Carcinoma Diagnosed At Goodskin Dermatology?
Merkel cell carcinoma is diagnosed by a board-certified dermatologist through a careful skin exam.
During a Full-Body Skin Evaluation, your provider examines the skin for any suspicious spots and looks for signs of skin cancer, including MCC.
Most cases begin with a close visual exam and dermoscopy. Dermoscopy is a handheld tool that allows your dermatologist to take a closer, more detailed look at the skin. This can help identify features that are not visible to the naked eye.
If a spot looks concerning, a skin biopsy may be done to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is a quick procedure that removes a small sample of skin so it can be tested in a lab using a process called immunohistochemistry to help confirm Merkel cell carcinoma.
If MCC is diagnosed, additional tests may be recommended to understand if it has spread to other areas of the body. These may include:
- PET scan
- CT scan
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
Because Merkel cell carcinoma care often involves several specialists, treatment planning is typically a team-based process. At Goodskin Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists help guide this process and coordinate care with trusted specialists when needed.
At Goodskin Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists explain every step clearly, so you understand what is happening and what comes next. We also help coordinate next steps in care when specialized treatment is needed.
Throughout the process, our team explains every step clearly, so you understand what is happening and what comes next.
Staging: What It Means For Treatment
After diagnosis, the next step is to determine the stage of the cancer. Staging explains whether MCC is limited to the skin or has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
- Stage I and II | This typically means the cancer is only in the skin
- Stage III | The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes
- Stage IV | The cancer has spread to distant organs
Identifying the stage helps guide treatment planning decisions and follow-up care. In general, earlier diagnosis may lead to more treatment options and better outcomes.
Treatment Options For Merkel Cell Carcinoma At Goodskin Dermatology
Merkel cell carcinoma treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, the size of the tumor and whether it has spread. Based on the stage of MCC, here is the type of treatment you may expect. Treatment may involve more than one approach.
At Goodskin Dermatology, we help patients understand their diagnosis and coordinate care with trusted specialists when needed.
Surgery is often the first step for early-stage MCC. It removes the tumor along with a small margin of healthy skin.
This test is often done at the same time as surgery to check whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Radiation may be used after surgery to help lower the risk of the cancer coming back. It may also be used when surgery is not the best option.
Immunotherapy uses checkpoint inhibitors to help the immune system find and attack cancer cells. It is most often used for advanced Merkel cell carcinoma that has spread beyond the skin.
Chemotherapy may be used for advanced or recurrent MCC when other treatments are not effective or appropriate.
Regular skin checks help monitor for recurrence or new skin cancers. Merkel cell carcinoma can come back in some cases, so ongoing follow-up is critical.
Ongoing Medical Dermatology visits support early detection and long-term skin health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merkel cell carcinoma curable?
Some cases of Merkel cell carcinoma can be treated successfully, especially when diagnosed early. Prompt treatment may improve outcomes and reduce the risk of spread.
How fast does Merkel cell carcinoma spread?
MCC skin cancer can spread quickly, sometimes within weeks or months. This is why any new or fast-changing skin lesion should be evaluated as soon as possible.
What is the survival rate for Merkel cell carcinoma?
Survival rates depend on several factors, including how early the cancer is diagnosed and whether it has spread beyond the skin.
What causes Merkel cell carcinoma?
Experts believe Merkel cell carcinoma develops because of a combination of UV exposure, immune system changes and Merkel cell polyomavirus infection.
Can I be screened for Merkel cell carcinoma?
There is no standard screening test specifically for MCC. However, routine skin exams with a board-certified dermatologist can help identify suspicious lesions early.
See A Dermatologist At Goodskin Dermatology
If you notice a new, changing or fast-growing skin lesion, don’t wait. Have it evaluated as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can make an important difference for aggressive forms of skin cancer, like Merkel cell carcinoma.
At Goodskin Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists are focused on providing clear answers, personalized support and expert evaluation. We take time to listen to your concerns, explain your options clearly and help coordinate referrals when specialized cancer treatment is needed.
We proudly serve patients at our Portland-area locations in Clackamas, Hillsboro, Troutdale and Cedar Hills Crossing in Beaverton.
