Is Merkel cell carcinoma a neuroendocrine tumor?
Because Merkel cells are a type of neuroendocrine cell, Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is also sometimes called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. Another name for MCC is trabecular carcinoma (or trabecular cancer).
How long does Merkel cell carcinoma take to spread?
A lesion of metastatic MCC may appear as a 1-3 cm, flesh-colored to red-purple bump that feels firm, is deeper compared to the primary lesion, and grows rapidly over a period of 2-4 weeks.
How bad is Merkel cell carcinoma?
Merkel cell carcinoma, or MCC, is a rare skin cancer that can be fatal, killing about 700 people per year. It occurs more commonly in people frequently exposed to ultraviolet light. Most cases of MCC show up first with a small red or purple bump on the skin.
How fast does Merkel cell spread?
How fast does Merkel cell carcinoma spread? Merkel cell carcinoma is a very aggressive and rare cancer that often spreads within two to three years after initial diagnosis.
Is Merkel cell carcinoma treatable?
Merkel cell carcinoma is highly treatable 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.
Does Merkel cell carcinoma bleed easily?
It often first appears as a single pink, red, or purple shiny bump that usually doesn’t hurt. Sometimes the skin on the top of the tumor breaks open and bleeds. These tumors grow quickly. They might spread as new lumps in the nearby skin.
Does Merkel cell carcinoma go away?
Merkel cell carcinoma can recur (come back) after it has been treated. The cancer may come back in the skin, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body. It is common for Merkel cell carcinoma to recur.
Does Merkel cell carcinoma grow fast?
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.
Does Merkel cell carcinoma make you tired?
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.