Merkelcell.org – Your trusted resource for Merkel cell carcinoma information
Welcome! Defeating Merkel cell carcinoma begins here.
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive skin cancer. This website is here to support everyone affected by MCC—patients, families, and medical teams. You’ll find trusted information, expert contacts, and valuable tools like the Recurrence Risk Calculator and up-to-date treatment guidelines. We hope this site helps you find answers, make informed decisions, and take the next steps—from any point on the MCC journey.
Find specialists: The most important step
The most important thing you can do after an MCC diagnosis is find a medical team that truly understands this rare cancer. Specialists who have experience with MCC know the best ways to work together to treat it. Having an expert team by your side—right from the start—can make a big difference in your treatment and recovery.
Support matters
Dealing with MCC can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Join the MCC Online Support Group and share your journey with other patients and families who understand.
Find the information you need:
Recognize the symptoms
Step 1.
MCC often starts as a painless, firm bump that can be red, purple, or skin-colored. It usually grows quickly and may look different from anything you’ve had before. Know what to look for and when to be concerned.
Understand the diagnosis
Step 2.
Diagnosing MCC usually starts with a skin biopsy and later involves other tests to find out if the cancer has spread. Understanding the steps in this process can help you and your family feel more prepared for what comes next.
Explore treatment options
Step 3.
There are several ways to treat MCC, such as surgery, radiation, and immunotherapy. The best treatment plan depends on your cancer’s stage and your personal needs. Your care team will guide you through your options and help you choose what’s right for you.
Plan your follow-up care
Step 4.
After your treatment, you and your care team will want to decide next steps. MCC can sometimes come back, so regular check-ups are important. This section explains what we know about the chances of MCC coming back (recurrence), survival rates, and other important measures.
Learn about living well with MCC
Step 5.
Building healthy habits can help you on your journey with MCC and beyond. Get easy tips on diet, exercise, and supplements, and find out which things are best to leave behind. Explore the ways you can find support as you navigate life with MCC. Your support network is ready to welcome you!
Recurrence Risk Calculator
Learn more about your personal risk
Every person’s situation is different. To help you and your medical team plan the best follow-up care, you can use our Recurrence Risk Calculator. This tool uses simple information about you (tumor size, sex, age, immune status) to estimate the chance of your MCC coming back. This can help you and your team create a follow-up plan that’s right for you.