Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive skin cancer that tends to grow quickly and can spread. Because it moves fast, prompt evaluation of a rapidly growing, firm, painless bump is important. When Merkel cell carcinoma is found early and treated by a coordinated team, outcomes are better.

What Is Merkel Cell Carcinoma?

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare skin cancer that starts in cells near the nerve endings in the skin. It is far less common than basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, but it is more aggressive: it can grow quickly and spread to lymph nodes and beyond. This makes early recognition and prompt treatment especially important.

The AEIOU Warning Signs

Doctors use the letters AEIOU to describe features that are common in Merkel cell carcinoma:

• A is for Asymptomatic: the bump is usually not painful or tender.
• E is for Expanding rapidly: it grows noticeably over weeks.
• I is for Immunosuppressed: it is more common in people with a weakened immune system.
• O is for Older than 50.
• U is for UV-exposed, fair skin.

MCC often appears as a firm, painless, fast-growing bump that is red, pink, or purple, most commonly on sun-exposed areas such as the head, neck, and arms. Any rapidly growing lump should be evaluated promptly.

What Causes Merkel Cell Carcinoma?

• Ultraviolet exposure from the sun and tanning beds
• A common virus called the Merkel cell polyomavirus, found in many cases
• A weakened immune system, including from certain medications or conditions
• Older age and fair skin

How Is It Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a skin biopsy, in which a sample of the growth is examined under the microscope with special stains. Because MCC can spread, imaging and a sentinel lymph node biopsy are often used to determine the stage. Prompt biopsy of a suspicious, fast-growing bump is the key first step.

How Is Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treated?

Treatment is usually multidisciplinary and tailored to the stage. It may include surgery to remove the tumor, sentinel lymph node biopsy, radiation therapy, and, for more advanced disease, immunotherapy. Because MCC is aggressive and its care spans several specialties, Belaray focuses on prompt evaluation and biopsy and on coordinating treatment with the appropriate surgical, radiation, and medical oncology specialists.

Why Prompt Care Matters

Because Merkel cell carcinoma can grow and spread quickly, finding and treating it early gives the best chance of a good outcome. Regular skin exams help detect MCC and other skin cancers before they advance. Learn more about skin cancer screening on Long Island and how to check your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Merkel cell carcinoma look like?

Merkel cell carcinoma usually looks like a firm, painless, fast-growing bump that is red, pink, or purple, most often on sun-exposed skin such as the head, neck, or arms. Doctors use the AEIOU features (Asymptomatic, Expanding rapidly, Immunosuppressed, Older than 50, UV-exposed fair skin) to recognize it. Any rapidly growing lump should be checked promptly.

Is Merkel cell carcinoma dangerous?

Merkel cell carcinoma is rare but aggressive. It can grow quickly and spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body, so it is more serious than the common skin cancers. Finding and treating it early gives the best chance of a good outcome, which is why prompt evaluation matters.

How is Merkel cell carcinoma treated?

Treatment is usually multidisciplinary and depends on the stage. It may include surgery to remove the tumor, sentinel lymph node biopsy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy for more advanced disease. Belaray focuses on prompt evaluation and biopsy and coordinates treatment with surgical, radiation, and medical oncology specialists.

What causes Merkel cell carcinoma?

Merkel cell carcinoma is linked to ultraviolet exposure, a common virus called the Merkel cell polyomavirus that is found in many cases, a weakened immune system, older age, and fair skin. Having these risk factors does not mean a person will develop it, but they raise the risk.

Is Merkel cell carcinoma curable?

When Merkel cell carcinoma is found early and treated promptly by a coordinated team, outcomes are significantly better. Because it can spread quickly, the outlook depends heavily on the stage at diagnosis, which is why a fast-growing lump should be evaluated without delay.

Where can I get evaluated for a fast-growing skin lump on Long Island?

Belaray Dermatology provides prompt skin evaluations and biopsies at its Hicksville (Nassau County) and Stony Brook (Suffolk County) offices, and coordinates further care when needed. Call or text (516) 822-7546 to be seen.

Related reading: skin cancer screening on Long Island, how to check your skin, and what is Mohs surgery.