Merkel Cell Carcinoma

It is the uncommon type of cancer in which there is red or bluish nodule on the skin of head face and neck mostly. It is also known as neuroendocrine carcinoma of skin.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms include:

Painless nodule
Red or bluish color tumor
Nodules appeared on face neck and head

Causes

Merkel cells are normally present in epidermis the outer layer of the skin. There is assumption that virus Merkel cell polyomavirus may involve in the development of Merkel cell carcinoma.

Complications

Only complication of merkel cell carcinoma is the spread of cancerous cell to the distant side of the body. They usually metastasize to your bones, liver lungs and brain.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic tests include:

Physical examination to check the condition of skin.
Biopsy of nodules
Blood test to check the complete count.

Treatment

Treatment options include:

Surgery to remove the tumor or cancerous cells to prevent the metastasize.
Immunotherapy to strong the immune system to fight with cancer

Merkel Cell Carcinoma