Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of the disease is unknown. Merkel cell carcinoma tends to occur due to factors like overexposure of skin to sunlight. Risk factors include immunocompromised patients, family history of skin cancer, people above 50 years of age, light colour of skin. A virus called as polyomavirus is also considered to be one of the causes for merkel cell carcinoma.
Clinical presentation
The skin cancer presents as a nodule [tumour] on the skin. It is mostly painless and fast growing. It is of purple red and blue colour. It can spread locally via lymphatics. It is seen usually on face, head and neck but can be seen anywhere on body and even on non exposed area of skin.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. Entire body skin examination is necessary. Skin biopsy is recommended. To know the extent of disease tests such as sentinel node biopsy is useful. Imaging studies such as CT scan, PET scan may be useful for further evaluation.
Treatment
Treatment involves surgery which will remove the tumour and the adjacent normal tissue of skin. If the cancer has spread to the neighbouring lymph nodes, they too will have to be removed. Further treatment consists of radiotherapy and chemotherapy which will also help in managing merkel cell carcinoma.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating merkel cell carcinoma.
Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating merkel cell carcinoma.
Recent updates
Recently research is going on to implement the existing and planned trials to increase the immune response in MCC.
