Merkel Cell Carcinoma On Leg
Its not clear what causes merkel cell carcinoma.
Merkel cell carcinoma on leg. Merkel cell carcinoma begins in the merkel cells. Merkel cell carcinoma mcc usually starts on areas of skin exposed to the sun especially the face neck arms and legs but it can occur anywhere on the body. Merkel cell carcinoma mcc usually presents as a firm nodule up to 2 cm diameter or mass 2 cm diameter. It often first appears as a single pink red or purple shiny bump that usually doesnt hurt.
Researchers recently discovered that a common virus plays a role in causing most cases of merkel cell carcinoma. Merkel cells are connected to nerve endings that. In african americans mcc tends to develop on a leg. Merkel cells are connected to the nerve endings in the skin that are responsible for the sense of touch.
Arrow indicates a firm enlarged elevated lymph node ink shows edges of firmness noted on physical exam into which mcc tumor cells had spread. The epidermis is the outer layer of the skin. These flesh colored red or blue tumors typically vary in size from 05 cm less than one quarter of an inch to more than 5 cm 2 inches in diameter and may enlarge rapidly. Merkel cell carcinoma of right lower limb including hip 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 billablespecific code c4a71 is a billablespecific icd 10 cm code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
Merkel cell carcinoma originates in cells at the bottom of the epidermis known as the merkel cells. Merkel cells are found at the base of the outermost layer of your skin epidermis. Most people are in their 70s or 80s when diagnosed with mcc 2. Merkel cell carcinoma mcc is a rare aggressive form of skin cancer with a high risk for returning recurring and spreading metastasizing often within two to three years after initial diagnosis.
The 2020 edition of icd 10 cm c4a72 became effective on october 1 2019. The 2021 edition of icd 10 cm c4a71 became effective on october 1 2020. Sometimes the skin on the top of the tumor breaks open and bleeds. Merkel cell carcinoma of left lower limb including hip c4a72 is a billablespecific icd 10 cm code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
Tumors can present as painless tender or itchy and other mcc manifestations as papules or plaques have also been reported. A merkel cell carcinoma arising on the lower leg. Darker area on upper right side of mcc lesion represents site of biopsy. Mcc arising on the right temple.
How rare is it.