Can Merkel cancer be cured?
Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment. Merkel cell carcinoma is frequently curable with surgical and nonsurgical therapies, particularly if caught early. Treatments are often highly individualized, depending on a patient’s general health, as well as the tumor’s location, size, depth, and degree of spread.
Where does Merkel cell cancer spread to?
Merkel cell carcinoma tends to grow quickly and to metastasize (spread) at an early stage. It usually spreads first to nearby lymph nodes and then may spread to lymph nodes or skin in distant parts of the body, lungs, brain, bones, or other organs.
How long can you live with Merkel cell cancer?
5-year relative survival rates for Merkel cell carcinoma
| SEER stage | 5-year relative survival rate |
|---|---|
| Localized | 76% |
| Regional | 56% |
| Distant | 23% |
| All SEER stages combined | 64% |
Is Merkel cell cancer painful?
Does Merkel cell carcinoma hurt? While MCC is often painless, it can feel sore and tender. Some people say the growth itches. Many people who develop MCC are otherwise healthy.
Is Merkel cell carcinoma fast growing?
Merkel cell carcinoma tends to grow fast and to spread quickly to other parts of your body. Treatment options for Merkel cell carcinoma often depend on whether the cancer has spread beyond the skin.
What does Merkel cancer look like?
Red, pink, or purple spot that’s growing. While Merkel cell carcinoma usually develops on the head or neck, it can appear anywhere on the skin.
How does Merkel cell cancer start?
Excessive exposure to natural or artificial sunlight. Being exposed to ultraviolet light, such as the light that comes from the sun or from tanning beds, increases your risk of Merkel cell carcinoma. The majority of Merkel cell carcinomas appear on skin surfaces frequently exposed to sun.
Who is at risk for Merkel cell carcinoma?
Your risk of Merkel cell carcinoma increases as you age. This cancer is most common in people older than age 50, though it can occur at any age. Light skin color. Merkel cell carcinoma usually arises in people who have light-colored skin.
Is Merkel cell carcinoma life threatening?
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive type of skin cancer that can be life-threatening. The cancer affects your skin’s outer layer, or epidermis. It often spreads to lymph nodes and organs. UV light exposure, a weak immune system, age and viral infection may cause this cancer.