Rare Forms Of Cancer To Be Aware Of

The Skin Condition To Look Out For: Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma is an incredibly rare form of skin cancer that typically appears as a flesh-colored or bluish-red nodule on the face, head, or neck. The condition is also known as neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. This rare skin cancer often develops in older people, especially white males over fifty years old, and is usually caused by long-term sun exposure or weak immune system due to autoimmune diseases and medications. This critical disease tends to grow and spread quite rapidly to other parts of the body, and it is not clear what causes this rare type of cancer.

Researchers do know that cancer begins in the Merkel cells, which are found at the base of the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis), which are connected to the nerve endings responsible for the sense of touch. Researchers recently discovered a common virus plays a significant role in causing most of the cases of Merkel cell carcinoma, as the virus, Merkel cell polyomavirus lives on the skin and does not show any visible signs or symptoms. How the virus that causes cancer is still unknown, and since the virus is quite common but the development of this form of cancer is rare, it is likely other risk factors play an important role in the development of this particular skin cancer.

Continue reading to find out how to prevent and treat Merkel cell carcinoma.