Merkel Cell Carcinoma – Know Its Symptoms, Causes, And Risk Factors
Merkel cell carcinoma is rarely occurring skin cancer. It primarily is apparent in the form of flesh-colored or bluish-red nodules that, time and again, manifest on your face, neck, or head. Also, Merkel cell carcinoma is alternatively known as the neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin.
Every so often, you’ll find Merkel cell carcinoma developing in older adults.
The risk to contract Merkel cell carcinoma amplifies because of long-standing exposure to the sun or a compromised immune system.
An oncologist who performs cancer treatment in Gurgaon says that merkel cell carcinoma has a tendency of growing fast and spreading quickly to other body parts.
The various treatment approaches chosen to take care of patients suffering from Merkel cell carcinoma frequently depend on whether or not cancer has metastasized beyond the skin.
Symptoms
The preliminary sign of Merkel cell carcinoma is typically indicative of a rapidly growing painless tumor or nodule on your skin.
The nodule may have the color of skin or be in shades of red, purple, or blue.
Nearly all Merkel cell carcinomas are found to occur on the face, neck, or head.
However, they may develop at any place on your body, even at places that aren’t exposed to sunlight.
Causes
Till date, the exact cause of Merkel cell carcinoma isn’t clearly identified.
According to an oncologist from a cancer hospital in Gurgaon, Merkel cell carcinoma has its inception in the Merkel cells that comprise the basal part of the epidermis – the outermost skin layer.
Merkel cells have a connection to nerve endings in the skin responsible to bring in the sense of touch.
Of late researchers have found that a common virus has a pivotal role to play in bringing about the majority of the cases of Merkel cell carcinoma.
The virus known as Merkel cell polyomavirus thrives on the skin and fails to exhibit any signs or symptoms.
But, how does this virus get to pull off causing Merkel cell carcinoma is yet to be ascertained.
Assuming that the virus is very commonly found and Merkel cell carcinoma seldom happens, it’s probable that there are other factors that have involvement in causing this type of cancer.
Risk factors
As per an oncologist in Gurgaon, there are 4 risk factors that may make you more predisposed to developing Merkel cell carcinoma.
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Excessive exposure to sunlight or artificial light
Being heavily exposed to ultraviolet light, for example, sunlight or the light that emanates from a tanning bed makes you more at risk of contracting Merkel cell carcinoma.
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Weakened immune system
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History of other skin cancers
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People who are affected by a weakened immune system such as those who have contracted HIV infection, taken drugs that habitually cause suppression of the body’s immune response or are suffering from chronic leukemia are more at risk to pick up Merkel cell carcinoma.
Merkel cell carcinoma has potential linkages with other co-occurring skin cancers like a squamous cell or basal cell carcinoma.
Older age
With increasing age, your odds to develop Merkel cell carcinoma increase too.
Given that a mole, bump, or freckle comes to your notice that keeps changing in color, size, and shape, grows with rapidity, or undergoes bleeding easily even after minor trauma or injury such as shaving or washing your skin, pay a visit to your doctor at Paras, a top hospital in Gurgaon.