According to a story from Newswise, a recent study shows that Merkel cell carcinoma, which historically has affected only a few thousand people per year, is becoming more prevalent, especially among the elderly.
Merkel cell carcinoma is an exceptionally aggressive type of skin cancer that can be very difficult to cure, especially if the cancer begins to spread to other parts of the body.
In the majority of cases, Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is caused by Merkel cell polyomavirus. In cases where the virus is implicated, infection is a precursor to the cells developing cancer characteristics. The cancer is characterized by a painless nodule that can be flesh colored, red, or blue. It is commonly found on the sun exposed areas of the head and neck. They grow rapidly and can spread early in their development, often to areas around the original tumor site, such as nearby fat or muscle. It also spread via the bloodstream to vital organs such the liver, lung, and brain. Five year survival rate stands at 60 percent overall; people with metastasized (spreading) MCC have a 50 percent survival rate, and about half of people who undergo treatment eventually experience relapse. To learn more about Merkel cell carcinoma, click here.
The increase of MCC cases is part of a general increase in skin cancer as a whole over the past few decades. However, it is increasing at a more rapid rate than more common skin cancers, such as melanoma.
For example, during the period from 2000 to 2013, MCC cases increased by 95 percent. Meanwhile, melanoma cases increased by 57. Old, white males are the most vulnerable population to MCC and to skin cancer in general.
Researchers link the increase in rates of MCC to the overall aging of the U.S. population. Older people have a vastly greater risk of contracting MCC, and age is probably the most important risk factor. Exposure to Merkel cell polyomavirus is common and most people who have the virus in their bodies do not have MCC, but an older person whose immune system is less effective may be more likely to contract the cancer.
