Skin cancer begins in the cells that make up the epidermis -- the top layer of skin. When the DNA that controls the cells' growth is damaged, it causes an overgrowth and buildup of skin cells. Eventually, this skin cell buildup forms a tumor, which results in the symptoms you see, such as irregular spots, red bumps, or scaly patches on your skin. Skin cancer most commonly affects areas of skin that are exposed to the sun but may develop almost anywhere on the body, including underneath fingernails and in the genital area. If left untreated, skin cancer can grow deep into the skin and spread through the rest of the body, causing serious complications.
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Skin cancers can grow quite large and become disfiguring. They can also spread to other parts of the body and become deadly. -
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Basal cell carcinoma is diagnosed through a biopsy. The dermatologist removes an area of the skin that he or she determines looks suspicious. Some basal cell carcinomas bleed, others present as rough patches on the skin. If you have a rough dry patch or a spot that bleeds, heals, and later bleeds again you need to see a dermatologist for a diagnosis. Basal cells rarely metastasize but if you let them go untreated they can grow large and removal can cause scarring. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer worldwide.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredIf you have been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, follow all of your doctor's instructions for follow-up care. Basal cell carcinoma is a common form of skin cancer. Each patient with this disease has unique needs. Ask your doctor to give you a written explanation of all the steps you should follow to clean and care for your skin if you have basal cell carcinoma. -
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Dr. Ellen Marmur, MD , Dermatology, answeredSee All 2 Answers
The classic basal cell carcinoma appears as a pearly pink bump, like a pimple that doesn't go away. It's slightly elevated and smooth. But sometimes BCC can show up as a smooth, flat white-pink scar (these are more aggressive) or a brown patch that resembles a freckle. BCC can be a dry, crusty spot, or it can be ulcerated and tend to bleed. Most are located on the face and neck - sun-exposed areas.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredSunscreen is essential for protecting the skin, especially if you have been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma is one of the most common types of skin cancer. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher before going outdoors. In addition, wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Try to avoid direct sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when sunlight is strongest. Ask your doctor about the best types of sunscreen for you.
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Regional Medical Center answeredPrognosis describes the likely course and outcome of a disease - that is, the chance that a patient will recover or have a recurrence. The prognosis for Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) patients depends greatly on the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis. If the tumor is small (less than 2 cm or about ¾ inch) and cancer cells have not spread to the lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate is more than 90 percent. Patients with MCC that has spread to the lymph nodes have a 5-year survival rate of about 50 percent. Overall 5-year survival for patients diagnosed with MCC is 64 percent, but half of patients with advanced MCC will live only 9 months. The disease recurs in about 50 percent of patients. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these statistics are averages based on large numbers of patients. Statistics cannot be used to predict what will happen to a particular patient because each person's situation is unique.This answer is based on source informationfrom the National Cancer Institute
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Donna Hill Howes, RN , Family Medicine, answeredSee All 2 AnswersThe doctor may use the following procedures and tests to diagnose Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Some of these tests are also used to help determine the stage of the disease. Stage is a description of the extent of cancer.
A biopsy is the removal of cells or tissue from a tumor for examination by a pathologist. The pathologist may study tissue samples under a microscope or perform other tests on the cells or tissue. Biopsies are used for both diagnosis and staging. The surgeon may also remove lymph nodes to help determine the stage of the disease.
Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is a procedure in which the sentinel lymph node is removed and examined under a microscope to determine whether cancer cells are present. The sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node to which cancer is likely to spread from the primary tumor. SLN biopsy is used to help determine the stage of the disease. SLN biopsy may cause fewer side effects than standard lymph node removal because fewer lymph nodes are taken out.
Immunohistochemistry (staining of cells with agents that react with antibodies on the surface of cancer cells) is a laboratory technique used to tell the difference between MCC and other types of cancer.
Computed tomography (CT), a procedure that uses special x-ray equipment to obtain cross-sectional pictures of the body, can distinguish MCC from small cell lung cancer and show whether the disease has spread to other parts of the body.
In an octreotide scan, the doctor injects a small amount of a radioactive drug into a vein. The drug travels through the bloodstream and attaches to tumor cells. A machine called a scanner detects the radioactive material and creates scans showing where the tumor cells are located in the body. For MCC, this test can be used for both diagnosis and staging.
A PET scan uses radioactive sugar, which is absorbed by cancer cells and appears as dark areas on the scan. It can be used for both diagnosis and staging of MCC.
This answer is based on source information from the National Cancer Institute.
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Regional Medical Center answered
If you notice symptoms of Merkel cell carcinoma, you should talk to a doctor right away. A lot of times, the small bumps caused by Merkel cell carcinoma can look like other conditions, like harmless cysts or other types of skin cancer. However, Merkel cell carcinoma grows and spreads extremely quickly, so it's better to get to a doctor right away than to assume that the growth is harmless.
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Donna Hill Howes, RN , Family Medicine, answeredSee All 2 AnswersMerkel cell carcinoma usually appears as a single painless lump on sun-exposed skin.
This and other changes in the skin may be caused by Merkel cell carcinoma. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if changes in the skin are seen.
Merkel cell carcinoma usually appears on sun-exposed skin as a single lump that is:
- Fast-growing.
- Painless.
- Firm and dome-shaped or raised.
- Red or violet in color.