FAQs

Yes. There are observational (clinical database) studies and therapeutic research trials ongoing. Click here to learn more about participating in MCC research.

The answer to this question is not known with certainty, but multiple lines of evidence suggest that Merkel cell carcinoma does NOT derive directly from normal Merkel cells. This is in part because it has proven impossible to get a normal Merkel cell to divide and grow. It is more likely that the precursor of a normal Merkel cell (a stem cell in the epidermis) gives rise to both the normal Merkel cell and separately, to Merkel cell carcinoma. There are several studies that have determined that normal Merkel cells are derived from epidermal precursor cells.

An active support group exists for MCC. Learn more about getting support and joining support groups with other MCC patients and their friends and family members.

There are no data suggesting that MCC runs in families. However, in general people, with light skin are at risk for all types of skin cancers. In fact, there are no reported cases of MCC occurring in multiple members of one family. However, through our cohort of over 1000 patients and others who have contacted us directly, we are now aware of four separate families in which two closely related family members had MCC. We do not think this supports the notion that MCC risk particularly runs in families.

Recent genetic studies have shown that Merkel cell carcinomas are caused either by mutations induced by sunlight or by the Merkel cell polyomavirus. Risk factors strongly associated with the development of MCC include fair skin, a history of extensive sun exposure, chronic immune suppression (kidney or heart transplantation or HIV), and over age 50.

MCC usually develops on sun-exposed skin as a firm, painless, flesh-colored to red-violet bump. The initial small bump tends to grow rapidly over weeks to months. Some images can be seen on our Clinical Photos page.

The lymphatic system is a system of vessels and lymph nodes throughout the body. It serves an important function in the immune system. Lymph nodes act as filters to trap cancer cells as they travel through the lymphatic vessels. The lymph nodes that filter the legs are in the inguinal region between the thigh and the abdomen. The lymph nodes that filter the arms are in the armpit (axilla). Those that drain the skin of the face can be under the chin (submandibular), along the neck (cervical), or around the ears (pre/post-auricular).

Merkel cells are found in the epidermis (outer layer of the skin). Although the exact function of Merkel cells is unknown, they are thought to be touch receptors. They have both sensory and hormonal functions and are sometimes referred to as neuroendocrine cells. Learn more about Merkel cells.

The antibody titer is the standard measure of how much of a particular antibody is in the blood. The titer value increases as the amount of that antibody increases in the blood.

An antibody is a highly specific protein made by our bodies that can recognize and bind to an agent such as a bacteria or virus.

MCC, also referred to as neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin, arises from uncontrolled growth of cells that share some characteristics with normal Merkel cells of the skin. It is a rare skin cancer with an incidence of about 2,000 cases per year in the US, and this number is continuing to increase. MCC will prove fatal in roughly 1/3 of patients and should receive prompt, but appropriately customized treatment.

Merkel cell carcinoma is rare, so it is common for many medical professionals to be unsure of where to start. When a diagnosis occurs, it is imperative that your medical team be knowledgeable, as they will need to execute the plan that MCC specialists will create. Our clinical team recommends that all healthcare providers follow the NCCN guidelines for MCC to bring them up to speed about MCC and how to care for patients.

MCC primarily occurs on highly sun-exposed skin such as the head/neck and arms, but it can occur anywhere on the body, including sun-protected areas such as the buttock. Learn more about the symptoms and appearance of Merkel cell carcinoma.

Individuals over the age of 65 are far more likely to develop MCC. Fair skin and a history of extensive sun exposure also increase the chances. MCC is associated with weakened immune function, such as in patients with HIV or organ transplants. However, over 90% of people who get MCC have no known immune suppression.