Have you noticed a small bump on your skin, especially on your face, neck, or hands that is often exposed to the sun? Is it shiny, red, and hard to the touch? Most people don't pay much attention to these things, but sometimes this can be a sign of a rare but very dangerous skin cancer called Merkel Cell Carcinoma . So let's talk about it today.
Simply put, what is Merkel Cell Carcinoma?
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, fast-growing type of cancer that starts in the Merkel cells in our skin. It can be life-threatening.
Think about it, deep in the top layer of our skin, which is what we call the epidermis , are these Merkel cells. These are a very special type of cell. Because these cells work in conjunction with our nervous system and endocrine system, they are also called neuroendocrine cells . To be precise, these cells are located near the nerve endings that help us feel touch.
Exposure to things like UV light from the sun damages these Merkel cells and causes them to grow uncontrollably. This is when this cancer occurs. The most dangerous thing about this cancer is that it spreads very quickly to other parts of the body and has a high chance of coming back even after treatment.
What causes this cancer? Who is most at risk?
There are several main factors that contribute to the development of this cancer.
The main reasons
- UV rays: The main culprit is sunlight. Frequent exposure to the sun, sunburn, and exposure to artificial light sources like tanning beds can damage the DNA of our skin cells. This damage is what leads to the formation of cancer cells.
- Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCP): This is a bit of a surprise. About eight out of ten people with this cancer have been infected with a virus called Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCP) . But don't worry, this virus is a very common virus that we can get during childhood without even knowing it, and it doesn't cause any symptoms. Not everyone who has it in their body will develop cancer. Experts are still trying to figure out why only some people develop cancer from this virus.
Research suggests that when the immune system is weakened, the body is unable to control this virus. The virus then triggers skin cells to produce a protein that turns off genes that stop cancer cells from growing.
Risk factors
Although anyone can develop this cancer, some people are at higher risk.
- Men over the age of 50 with fair skin are at highest risk.
- If you have previously developed other types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma , squamous cell carcinoma , or melanoma .
- If you have previously had severe sunburn or used tanning beds .
- Having received phototherapy for skin diseases.
- If the immune system is weakened due to diseases such as HIV/AIDS , some types of leukemia, or other causes.
- If you are taking immunosuppressants after an organ transplant.
What are the symptoms of this cancer?
Merkel cell carcinoma tumors are most commonly seen on sun-exposed skin. It is important to recognize these signs.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Appearance | A spherical lump that usually appears shiny and pearly, raised above the skin. |
| Color | It can be the same color as your skin, or it can be red, purple, or blue-red. |
| Growth | These lumps grow very quickly and can double in size within a few weeks. |
| Contact | It feels firm to the touch, but is usually not painful. Sometimes it can itch or hurt. |
| Public places | It is most commonly seen on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, hands, and eyelids . |
| Other features | Sometimes this lump can burst and become a wound or ulcer. |
How is the disease diagnosed and treated?
If you have this symptom, you should definitely see a dermatologist , as sometimes these bumps can resemble other conditions, such as benign cysts or infected hair follicles ( folliculitis ).
Diagnosis
The doctor will first examine the skin of your entire body. They will also check for swollen lymph nodes in places like your neck and armpits to see if the cancer has spread. To definitively diagnose the disease, a small piece of the lump is taken and sent to a laboratory for testing. This is called a skin biopsy .
If cancer is confirmed, tests such as CT scans and PET scans are performed to see how far it has spread in the body.
Treatment methods
Treatment is determined by the stage of the cancer.
1. Surgery: The main treatment is surgery to completely remove the cancerous tumor.
- Mohs surgery: In this, only the cancerous layer is removed very delicately, minimizing damage to healthy skin.
- Wide local excision: The cancerous tumor and a small area of healthy skin around it are removed.
- Lymph node dissection: If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, those nodes are surgically removed.
2. Post-surgery treatment: After surgery, this treatment is used to destroy any cancer cells that may still be left in the body.
- Radiation therapy: Destroying cancer cells using high-energy rays.
- Immunotherapy: Stimulating the body's own immune system to fight cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: Giving drugs that kill cancer cells.
What should we do to protect ourselves from this cancer?
Rather than treating this disease once it has developed, it is best to reduce the risk of developing it. There are a few simple things you can do to do that.
- Sunscreen is a must: Use a good sunscreen with an SPF of 60 or higher every day, even when you're indoors. Reapply every two hours if you're going outside.
- Avoid the sun: Avoid being in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. as much as possible. If you must go outside, go to a shaded area.
- Avoid tanning beds completely: These are very harmful to the skin.
- Cover your skin: When going outside, wear long-sleeved clothing, a large hat, and good sunglasses.
- Take care of your skin: Check your skin regularly. If you notice a new spot, lump, change in an existing spot, or a sore that doesn't heal, see a doctor immediately .
Take-Home Message
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma is a rare, but dangerous skin cancer that spreads very quickly.
- The main cause is exposure to UV rays from the sun.
- A shiny, hard, rapidly growing lump on the skin can be a key symptom of this disease.
- If you notice any unusual changes to your skin, a lump, or a wound that doesn't heal, don't ignore it and see your doctor immediately.
- This cancer can be prevented by using sunscreen daily and protecting yourself from the harsh sun.
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