What is Merkel cell carcinoma?
-
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive type of skin cancer. It's thought that this type of cancer begins in the Merkel cells, which are found in the top layer of skin and may be related to your sense of touch. Merkel cell carcinoma causes flesh-colored or reddish bumps to form on the skin. Merkel cell carcinoma grows very quickly and can rapidly spread throughout the body, so it's important to get diagnosed and treated early.
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive type of skin cancer. It's thought that this type of cancer begins in the Merkel cells, which are found in the top layer of skin and may be related to your sense of touch. Merkel cell carcinoma causes... More -
Donna Hill Howes answered:Merkel cell carcinoma is a very rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the skin. Merkel cells are found in the top layer of the skin. These cells are very close to the nerve endings that receive the sensation of touch. Merkel cell carcinoma, also called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin or trabecular cancer, is a very rare type of skin cancer that forms when Merkel cells grow out of control. Merkel cell carcinoma starts most often in areas of skin exposed to the sun, especially the head and neck, as well as the arms, legs, and trunk. Merkel cell carcinoma tends to grow quickly and to metastasize (spread) at an early stage. It usually spreads first to nearby lymph nodes and then may spread to lymph nodes or skin in distant parts of the body, lungs, brain, bones, or other organs.
This answer is based on source information from the National Cancer Institute, U.S. National Institutes of Health.Merkel cell carcinoma is a very rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the skin. Merkel cells are found in the top layer of the skin. These cells are very close to the nerve endings that receive the sensation of touch. Merkel... More
