Medication
Treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma may cause side effects. Patients may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial. Patients can enter clinical trials before, during, or after starting their cancer treatment.
Procedures
The metastatic tumor is the same type of cancer as the primary tumor. For example, if Merkel cell carcinoma spreads to the liver, the cancer cells in the liver are actually cancerous Merkel cells. The disease is metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma, not liver cancer. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
Therapy
Merkel cells are types of cells in the upper layer of the skin. The cells are very close to nerve endings, and help the skin sense light touch. Merkel cell carcinoma occurs when these cells grow out of control. Merkel cell carcinoma can be dangerous because it tends to grow quickly.
Nutrition
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 or by other conditions. Check with your doctor if you see changes in your skin. Merkel cell carcinoma usually appears on sun-exposed skin as a single lump that is: Fast-growing. Painless.
Should patients with Merkel cell carcinoma take part in clinical trials?
What is metastatic merkel cell carcinoma?
What are Merkle cells?
What does Merkle cell carcinoma look like?
What are the side effects of immunotherapy for Merkel cell carcinoma?
This is a promising new form of treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), especially if it has spread to other parts of the body....Side effects of these types of drugs can include:Fatigue.Cough.Nausea.Rash or itchy skin.Joint pain.Loss of appetite.Diarrhea.Constipation.
How long does it take for Merkel cell carcinoma to metastasize?
The mean latency from the primary tumor diagnosis to systemic metastasis by imaging was 2.1 years (range, 11 days–14.2 years).
Does chemotherapy improve survival in high risk Stage I and II Merkel cell carcinoma of the skin?
Conclusions: The multivariate analysis suggests chemotherapy has no effect on survival, but because of the wide confidence limits, a chemotherapy effect cannot be excluded.
Does Merkel cell carcinoma make you tired?
Fatigue is a common side effect of treatment for many types of cancer, including Merkel cell carcinoma.
How do you know if Merkel cell carcinoma has spread?
After Merkel cell carcinoma has been diagnosed, tests are done to find out if cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. The process used to find out if cancer has spread to other parts of the body is called staging. The information gathered from the staging process determines the stage of the disease.
Does Chemo work on Merkel cell carcinoma?
Which chemo drugs are used to treat MCC? Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is rare, so it's been hard to study the use of chemotherapy for MCC in clinical trials. Because of this, doctors often use chemo drugs that have been helpful in treating other types of fast-growing neuroendocrine tumors.
What is life expectancy with Merkel cell carcinoma?
5-year relative survival rates for Merkel cell carcinomaSEER stage5-year relative survival rateLocalized76%Regional56%Distant23%All SEER stages combined64%Mar 2, 2022
Is Merkel cell carcinoma always fatal?
Merkel cell carcinoma most commonly spreads to your lymphatic system (lymph nodes) first. From there, it may spread to other parts of your body like your bones, lungs, brain or other organs. Merkel cell carcinoma can be fatal.
How long do you live with Stage 4 Merkel cell carcinoma?
In this study, patients with histologically node-negative tumors experienced excellent long-term survival. Approximately half of patients with node-positive disease survived 5 years, and the median survival for patients with metastatic disease was 9 months.
What is the best treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma?
Treatment of Recurrent Merkel Cell CarcinomaWide local excision to remove a larger area of tissue than was removed in earlier surgery. ... Radiation therapy after surgery.Chemotherapy.Radiation therapy and/or surgery as palliative treatment to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
Is Merkel cell worse than melanoma?
Merkel cell carcinoma is more deadly than melanoma, with approximately 1/3 of all diagnosed patients dying from the disease. It most often occurs in the elderly or those with a weakened immune system. It appears as a rapidly growing, non painful red nodule that can quickly metastasize.
Can you survive Merkel cell carcinoma?
The five-year survival rate for Merkel cell carcinoma is improving. Patients with localized Merkel cell carcinoma have a 78% survival rate while those whose cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other nearby structures have a 52% survival rate.
What is Merkel cell carcinoma?
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 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 diagnose Merkel cell ...
What are the risk factors for Merkel cell carcinoma?
Risk factors for Merkel cell carcinoma include the following: Being exposed to a lot of natural sunlight. Being exposed to artificial sunlight, such as from tanning beds or psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy for psoriasis.
What is the purpose of ipilimumab in cancer?
Ipilimumab is a type of CTLA-4 inhibitor being studied to treat advanced Merkel cell carcinoma. Enlarge.
What tests are used to diagnose Merkel cell carcinoma?
The following tests and procedures may be used: Physical exam and health 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.
What is the process of finding out if a cancer cell has spread to other parts of the body?
The process used to find out if cancer has spread to other parts of the body is called staging. The information gathered from the staging process determines the stage of the disease.
Where are Merkel cells found?
Merkel cells are 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 of the skin or trabecular cancer, is a very rare type of skin cancer that forms when Merkel cells grow out of control.
Does sun exposure cause Merkel cell carcinoma?
Sun exposure and having a weak immune system can affect the risk of Merkel cell carcinoma. Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer; not having risk factors doesn't mean that you will not get cancer.
Why is it important to treat Merkel cell carcinoma early?
It can look like many other types of cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma is important to prevent the cancer from spreading.
Why are Merkel cells dangerous?
Merkel cell carcinoma occurs when these cells grow out of control. Merkel cell carcinoma can be dangerous because it tends to grow quickly.
What is Merkel cell?
Merkel cells are a type of neuroendocrine cell. This means they have features of both nerve cells and hormone-making cells. The cancer is also known as neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin.
What are the risks of having a weakened immune system?
Weakened immune system. People with weakened immune systems, such as people who have had an organ transplant, are at increased risk for this cancer. Light-colored skin. People with lighter skin are at higher risk.
Is Merkel cell carcinoma a skin cancer?
Like many other types of skin cancer, the risk of Merkel cell carcinoma is higher in people who have been exposed to a lot of UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun or from other sources like tanning beds. People who are treated for psoriasis with UV rays may also have a higher risk. Weakened immune system. People with weakened immune systems, such as ...
Do men get Merkel cell carcinoma?
Men are more likely to get Merkel cell carcinoma. Researchers have found that Merkel cell carcinoma almost always shows infection with a virus known as Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV). It is not known how the virus may contribute to the growth of this cancer. Most people are infected with this virus at some point.
What is the best way to deal with Merkel cell carcinoma?
Fatigue. Fatigue is a common side effect of treatment for many types of cancer, including Merkel cell carcinoma. The best way to deal with fatigue is to listen to your body. It’s better to cancel plans if you’re just not feeling up to it and get the rest you need rather than trying to push through the fatigue .
Does chemotherapy cause low white blood cells?
Chemotherapy can lead to low white blood cell counts, which can result in an increased risk of infection. For this reason, it is important to take precautions to avoid infection. Washing your hands frequently, eating a healthy diet and avoiding others who are sick are all good ways to minimize your risk of infection as you undergo cancer treatment.
Surgery
Once you have been diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma, your doctor will begin discussing surgical options for how to remove the tumor. This is especially common for tumors in the early stages like stages 1 or 2 because they are small and contained enough to be successfully removed. 4 The surgical options include: 2
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy involves exposing the body to high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and stop them from growing. It may be used to treat Merkel cell carcinoma or as part of palliative care, medical care to improve symptoms and quality of life. 2
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy (chemical medications) stops cancer cells from growing and spreading. It works by killing cancer cells or preventing them from multiplying. 6
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. It is a form of biologic therapy, which uses substances made from living organisms to treat cancer. It also boosts the immune system’s response to better fight cancer. The type of immunotherapy used to treat Merkel cell carcinoma is called checkpoint blockade therapy.
Recurrence
Recurrence means the Merkel cell carcinoma comes back after being effectively treated. When cancer comes back at the original tumor site, it is usually removed through surgery again. Radiation therapy is then used to lower the risk of another recurrence.
Follow-Up Care
Follow-up care is an important part of Merkel cell carcinoma treatment. Once you have finished your initial treatment, your physician will continue to closely monitor you for any signs of recurrence or treatment side effects. Follow-up care usually involves frequent appointments, physical exams, lab tests, and imaging studies. 9
Summary
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer, but it can be treated when caught early. Treatment depends on the tumor’s stage and may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. Because there is a high risk for recurrence, regular follow-up care is an important part of treatment.
Key Points
Merkel cell carcinoma is a very rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the skin.
Merkel cell carcinoma is a very rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the skin
Merkel cells are 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 of the skin or trabecular cancer, is a very rare type of skin cancer that forms when Merkel cells grow out of control.
Sun exposure and having a weak immune system can affect the risk of Merkel cell carcinoma
Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer; not having risk factors doesn't mean that you will not get cancer. Talk with your doctor if you think you may be at risk. Risk factors for Merkel cell carcinoma include the following:
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 or by other conditions. Check with your doctor if you see changes in your skin.
Key Points
After Merkel cell carcinoma has been diagnosed, tests are done to find out if cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body.
After Merkel cell carcinoma has been diagnosed, tests are done to find out if cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body
The process used to find out if cancer has spread to other parts of the body is called staging. The information gathered from the staging process determines the stage of the disease. It is important to know the stage in order to plan treatment.
Cancer may spread from where it began to other parts of the body
When cancer spreads to another part of the body, it is called metastasis. Cancer cells break away from where they began (the primary tumor) and travel through the lymph system or blood.