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On September 1, 2023, Jimmy Buffett died and the world lost a legendary singer-songwriter. A few days later, his website announced that his cause of death was Merkel cell carcinoma, a skin cancer that he battled for four years. Ever since, our patients have been wondering, “What is this deadly form of skin cancer and why haven’t I heard of it??”
What is Merkel Cell Carcinoma?
Merkel cell carcinoma forms deep within the top layer of the skin, usually presenting itself on the skin’s surface as a raised, pimple-like bump that can be skin-colored, red, or purple in appearance. The resemblance of MCC has few shared characteristics of other skin cancers, which can make it extremely difficult to notice and diagnose. In addition, Merkel’s cell carcinoma grows rapidly, which poses a risk to other organs of the body if it metastasizes.
To put into perspective how rare Merkel cell carcinoma is, it is 40 times more rare than melanoma, which itself accounts for only 1% of all skin cancer diagnoses in the United States every year. That said, MCC is worth the attention, as it proves to be one of the most aggressive and rapidly forming skin cancers known to science.
Merkel cell carcinoma is about 3 to 5 times more deadly than melanoma, but the good news is that it is treatable, especially if caught in its early stages.
Treatment Options and Risk Factors for Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Merkel cell carcinoma is treated first by surgically removing the tumor at the primary site along with sampling lymph nodes in the area. Following surgery, patients will undergo one or a combination of three treatment options: radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Patients at the highest risk of developing Merkel cell carcinoma are aged 50 or above, have fair skin, have a history of skin cancer, have been exposed to excessive UV radiation, or have weakened immune systems.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma Recurrence
Another troublesome trait of MCC is that it often recurs in patients after successful treatment. Though this poses understandable risks, patients who have a history of MCC undergo much more diligent protective screenings than other patients, and when caught early, recurrent cases remain quite treatable.
Schedule Your Annual Skin Exam
If you have any suspicious moles or lesions, have any questions regarding Merkel cell carcinoma or any other form of skin cancer, or if it has been over a year full-body skin exam, please contact Vanguard Skin Specialists today at 719-355-1585 or fill out our online appointment request form to schedule your appointment with one of our trusted dermatology providers.
