What Does Merkel Cell Cancer Look Like
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer that usually appears as a flesh colored or bluish red nodule often on your face head or neck.
What does merkel cell cancer look like. 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. It often first appears as a single pink red or purple shiny bump that usually doesnt hurt. 4 sometimes the lesion is pink blue or the color of normal skin. Early diagnosis and treatment of merkel cell carcinoma is important to prevent the cancer from spreading.
Medical care is often not sought early as these lesions do not appear concerning. Patients frequently point out a new mcc to their doctor because a bump is growing rapidly andor does not look like anything the patient has ever had before. It may feel firm and look shiny. Since not all merkel cell carcinomas have the same appearance these photos serve as a general reference for what mcc can look like.
Diagnosis of merkel cell carcinoma can be difficult. 56 percent of mccs are believed to be benign when initially examined by physicians who may mistake the tumors for cysts or infected hair follicles. Merkel cell carcinoma most often develops in older people. The tumor usually grows quickly.
Be aware of any lumps growths moles or other abnormal areas on your skin. Photos courtesy of paul nghiem md phd. If you develop a spot that raises suspicion schedule an appointment with your doctor. You may see blood vessels.
Appearance of merkel cell carcinoma mcc usually develops on sun exposed skin eg head neck arms as a painless firm bump that can be red purple or skin colored. Diagnosis and management of merkel cell carcinoma presents distinct challenges including. Sometimes the skin on the top of the tumor breaks open and bleeds.