Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an extremely rare but aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer that usually appears as a flesh-colored or bluish-red nodule.

MCC may occur anywhere on the body, but is most common in areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, head, or neck. It is also more common in fair-skinned individuals over the age of 50.

MCC often requires a comprehensive individualized treatment plan that includes diagnostic imaging, surgery, lymph node biopsy, adjuvant radiation therapy, and possibly chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

Specialists in the GW Cancer Center’s Cutaneous Oncology Program are highly trained to diagnose and treat all types of skin cancer, including MCC, which is prone to recurrence.