Merkel cell carcinoma is another rare type of skin cancer. It usually appears as bluish-red nodule or flesh-colored nodule on your head, neck, or face. Merkel cell carcinoma often develops in older people. It tends to grow fast and spread very quickly to other parts of the body. Although it is a rare type of skin cancer, it can cause death.
| Merkel Cell Carcinoma/Cancer Causes |
Actually, the real causes of merkel cell carcinoma are still not clear yet. It occurs in the merkel cells which were found at the base of the outermost layer of skin called epidermis. Merkel cells are connected to the nerve endings of the skin that act as a touch receptor.
People who extremely exposed to the sunlight should take skin diagnosis from a dermatology doctor so that merkel cell carcinoma or other type of skin cancer can be detected immediately. There are a lot of risk factors that can increase the symptoms of merkel cell carcinoma. The factors are such as:
- Exposed to the artificial or natural sunlight.
- History of having other skin cancers.
- Have light-colored skin.
- A weak immune system.
- Aged 50 years and above (however it can occur at any age).
However, having those risk factors does not mean that you will get merkel cell carcinoma and do not have risk factors it’s not mean that you cannot get merkel cell carcinoma. It is a sign for you to be more careful about your health.
| Merkel Cell Carcinoma/Cancer Symptoms |
Merkel cell carcinoma symptoms are such as:
- Skin changes locally.
- There is abnormal growth of skin similar to other signs of skin cancer.
- Changes to the appearance of the mole.
- Formation of solitary red nodules.
- There is a painless lump that grows on the skin.
- Neck, lymph nodes and axillae being affected.
Sadly, merkel cell carcinoma is different from other types of skin cancer because it grows rapidly over a few weeks or months. So, if you experience some of these symptoms, seek your doctor immediately. This will help you detect skin cancer early.
The Tole Officially Opened by our Health Minister.
