Merkel Cell Carcinoma - Symptoms, Causes And Risk Factors!

Merkel cell carcinoma refers to cancer of the skin. It is a very rare type of cancer and it looks like a reddish-blue toned nodule. It usually shows up on the face or neck or the head.

The Merkel cells are distributed in your skin’s top layer, close to the nerve endings that are responsible for receiving the sensation of touch. If a mutation happens in these cells and they begin to grow and spread abnormally, a person gets Merkel cell carcinoma.

This cancer has a tendency to spread rapidly to the adjacent parts of the body such as the nearby lymph nodes, bones, lungs, the brain, etc. Treatment depends on the extent of its expansion.

Symptoms of Merkel Cell Carcinoma

In the early stages, Merkel's cell carcinoma shows no symptoms. All you will see is an unusual dome-shaped firm nodule, which is reddish, purple or blue. It will also be painless.  The skin at the top of the tumour may sometimes break open and ooze blood and fluids. When cancer progresses and reaches the lymph nodes, they will enlarge and can easily be seen or felt under the skin. Since there will hardly be any symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor the moment a person sees some unusual growth on the skin.

Causes of Merkel Cell Carcinoma

While doctors cannot single out any particular cause of Merkel cell carcinoma, it is widely believed that exposure to sun and a weakened immunity are responsible for it. If you are exposed to the sun’s harmful rays for too long and over a protracted period, then you could get this skin cancer. Researches also think the Merkel cell polyomavirus has a part to play in triggering cancer. Scientists think that a very weak immunity clubbed with the virus and sun exposure together trigger Merkel cell carcinoma.

Risk Factors of Merkel Cell Carcinoma

A few factors increase the likelihood of getting Merkel cell carcinoma. These are –

Old age – This kind of cancer is common among people in their 50s. The risk of cancer increases, as you grow older.

Lighter complexion – The lighter the person’s skin tone, the higher the chances of getting this skin cancer

Medical history of skin cancers – If a person has already been diagnosed with squamous cell or basal cell carcinoma, he/she may also contract Merkel cell carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma may be very rare, but like all cancers, it is dangerous. Get yourself treated the moment you see a new bump on nodule on the skin.