Clinical trials play an important role in improving cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. For some patients, taking part may offer access to new therapies that are not yet widely available. Your care team can help determine whether a clinical trial may be an option and explain what participation involves.
What is Merkel Cell Carcinoma?
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare type of skin cancer. It often appears as a firm, painless bump that grows quickly—most commonly on sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, arms or legs.
MCC is more common in older adults and people with weakened immune systems. If you’re concerned about a new or changing skin lesion—for yourself or someone you care about—LifeBridge Health’s cancer specialists can help explain the condition, review treatment options and guide next steps with care.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma Symptoms
MCC usually appears as a single lump that may grow quickly over weeks. Common signs include:
- A firm, dome-shaped bump
- A spot that is red, purple or skin-colored
- A lump that grows rapidly
- A painless lesion that may resemble a cyst or insect bite
How Merkel Cell Carcinoma is Diagnosed
Evaluation usually begins with a skin exam, followed by testing to confirm the diagnosis and determine spread.
Skin Exam
Your provider examines the spot and the surrounding skin, often checking the rest of your body for other areas that may need evaluation.
Skin Biopsy
A small sample of the growth is removed and examined under a microscope. This is the key step in confirming MCC.
Lymph Node Evaluation
Because MCC can spread early, nearby lymph nodes may be evaluated using a sentinel lymph node biopsy and/or imaging to determine stage.
Imaging Tests
CT, PET and/or MRI scans may be used to look for spread beyond the skin and lymph nodes, depending on your situation.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment Options
Treatment decisions for Merkel cell carcinoma depend on the stage of the cancer and your overall health. Your LifeBridge Health care team works together across disciplines to explore all appropriate options and explain what to expect from each one.
Surgery
A surgical oncologist removes the tumor along with a small amount of surrounding skin. Nearby lymph nodes may also be evaluated or removed.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It’s commonly used after surgery to lower the risk of recurrence or to treat areas where surgery is not possible.
Types of radiation therapy we may use:
- External beam radiation therapy (EBRT): Radiation is delivered from outside the body to the tumor site and/or nearby lymph node regions. EBRT is the most common radiation approach for MCC.
- Photon therapy (X-rays): Commonly used for MCC, especially when treating deeper targets or lymph nodes.
- Electron beam therapy: Often used for superficial skin targets because it deposits most of the dose near the surface while limiting deeper exposure.
- Brachytherapy (internal radiation, selected cases): Radiation is delivered close to the skin using an applicator placed on or near the treatment area. This is used less commonly for MCC and may be considered in specific circumstances.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses medication to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It may be recommended when MCC has spread, returns after treatment or cannot be fully removed with surgery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medication to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It may be used in select advanced cases or in combination with other treatments.
Clinical Trials
Supportive Services
When you receive cancer care at LifeBridge Health, you have access to supportive services like counseling, integrative therapies and support groups. These resources are designed to help patients care for their physical and emotional well‑being throughout treatment and beyond.