Rare Forms Of Cancer To Be Aware Of

Prevention And Treatment For Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma usually depends on if it has spread beyond the skin to other areas of the body, internally and externally. There are a number of risky behavior that can increase an individual’s chance of developing it. Risk factors include excessive exposure to natural and artificial sunlight, a weakened immune system, a history of other types of skin cancer, older age, and lighter skin color. Despite the risks, there are a few preventative measures individuals can take to minimize their risk. Prevention includes avoiding the sun during peak hours, usually between 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM; shielding eyes and skin from the sun with clothes and sunglasses; and applying sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) liberally and often. Individuals should also monitor changes in their skin’s appearance and notify a doctor about them.

Treatment for this cancer includes a wide local excision to remove a large area of the affected tissue, a lymph node dissection, as well as radiation therapy after surgery. Even with treatment, Merkel cell carcinoma usually spreads beyond the skin and forms tumors within the body, especially affecting nearby lymph nodes. It can also spread to the brain, bones, liver or lungs. Cancers that spread to other organs, such as this type, are more challenging to treat and can be fatal.

Let’s find out about a childhood form of cancer that can develop into a variety of other types of cancer.