Merkel cell carcinoma:

Overview

Merkel cell carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer. It most often appears as a bump on the face, head or neck. Merkel cell carcinoma also is called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin.

Merkel cell carcinoma most often happens in people older than 50. Long-term sun exposure or a weakened immune system may raise the risk of getting this cancer.

Merkel cell carcinoma tends to grow fast and to spread quickly to other parts of the body. Treatment may depend on whether the cancer has spread beyond the skin.

Symptoms

The first symptom of Merkel cell carcinoma most often is a growth on the skin. This skin cancer can happen anywhere on the body. It happens most often on skin that typically gets sunlight. In white people, the growth is most likely to be on the head or neck. In Black people, the growth more often is on the legs.

A Merkel cell carcinoma can cause:

• A bump on the skin that often is painless.

• A bump that grows quickly.

• A bump whose two sides don't match.

• A bump that looks pink, purple, red-brown, or the same color as the skin around it.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with a healthcare professional if you have a mole, freckle or bump that changes size, shape or color. Also see a healthcare professional if you have a bump that grows fast or bleeds easily after minor injury, such as washing your skin or shaving.