Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and highly aggressive type of skin cancer that is dangerous because it can spread relatively quickly to other parts of the body, especially in the lymph nodes. Although it can occur on skin in almost any area of the body, MCC appears most often on the face, head, and neck. About of half of all Merkel cell cancers occur in sun-exposed areas, a third begin on the legs, and a sixth on the arms. MCC usually appears as firm, painless, nodular, flesh-colored, red or blue tumor that can vary in size from one quarter of an inch to more than two inches.