What Increases The Risk Of Merkel Cell Carcinoma?

Light Skin Color

Skin cancer occurrence, including that of Merkel cell carcinoma, is typically higher in individuals who are light skinned than in those who have darker skin. The reason for this has to do with the amount of melanin present in the body and skin. Melanin is the compound that provides the hair, eyes, and skin with their level of pigmentation. Melanin is also responsible for the protection of the body's cells from harmful ultraviolet rays. Melanin accomplishes this by absorbing the ultraviolet energy and deflecting it away from the cells of healthy tissues. The skin cells of individuals with light skin do not receive as much protection from the melanin pigment as the skin cells of darker skinned individuals. This lack of protection makes their skin cells more susceptible to damage from ultraviolet rays that results in Merkel cell carcinoma. In addition, individuals with a light skin color have more spots of discoloration on their skin like moles and freckles. About half of all skin cancers originate from a pre-existing discoloration in the skin. Both a lack of protection and a higher frequency of skin discolorations make light-skinned individuals more prone to developing Merkel cell carcinoma.

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