What is Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC)?
Merkel cell carcinoma, or MCC, is a rare and serious type of skin cancer. It happens when certain skin cells become cancerous and start growing out of control.
These cells are supposed to turn into healthy Merkel cells, which help your skin sense things. But sometimes, while the cells are developing, they can become cancerous instead. <Learn more about Merkel cells> [jumplink to headline below]
Fast-facts about MCC:
- It usually appears as a bump on the skin (see symptoms and appearance) [jumplinks to sections 2.1 and 2.2]
- MCC is most common in people over the age of 65 (see causes and risk factors) [jumplinks to section 1.2]
- There are about 3200 new MCC cases in the United States each year
- It can be aggressive, so it is very important to see a doctor who specializes in MCC early on (find a specialist) [jumplinks to find a specialist page]
Background and current landscape
Deep Dive:
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), first discovered in 1972, is a rare and aggressive skin cancer. Because of the unique features of Merkel cells and the way they function, it is also sometimes called a “neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin”.
Under the microscope, MCC cancer cells look very similar to normal Merkel cells. It was not until the 1990s, with the development of the CK20 antibody, that pathologists could reliably identify MCC.
Since then, the number of MCC cases has increased rapidly, now exceeding 3,200 new diagnoses per year in the United States—quadruple the number from a few decades ago. Despite this rise, many doctors and patients remain unfamiliar with MCC due to its recent discovery and rarity. While Merkel cell carcinoma is about 30 times less common than melanoma, it can be just as aggressive or even more so.
A multidisciplinary team approach is essential for evaluating and treating patients with MCC to ensure the best possible care.