The goal is to prevent Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) from occurring, but if you’re at high risk or suspect you might have this rare form of skin cancer, getting a specific diagnosis is important for the best outcome. At the OSUCCC – James, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive screening and education to help people avoid MCC or catch it at its earliest stage when it’s most treatable. We also have advanced diagnostic technology to pinpoint an exact diagnosis.
Screening for Merkel cell carcinoma
There’s currently no specific screening test recommended to detect Merkel cell carcinoma.
At the same time — and because anyone can develop MCC — regular skin cancer screening is important for everyone. That means a visual check of the skin on your entire body should be done by a dermatologist. You should also complete a monthly self-check of your skin, looking for new growths or any changes in existing moles or skin lesions.
Anytime you find a skin growth that concerns you, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
How is Merkel cell carcinoma diagnosed?
If MCC is suspected, the diagnostic experts at the OSUCCC – James will use the latest tests and technology to confirm a diagnosis. This kind of precise analysis makes it possible for us to create a completely personalized treatment plan for you.
To establish a definitive diagnosis:
- A skin cancer specialist will complete a physical exam to collect your medical history, lifestyle risks and family history of MCC.
- A visual full-body skin exam will be done to check for any unusual lumps, growths or changes in skin color or texture.
- Your lymph nodes will be checked for their size and shape.
- A skin biopsy or biopsies will be taken, if necessary.
Merkel cell carcinoma biopsies
A biopsy involves taking samples of cells from any suspicious growths so a pathologist can examine them under a microscope for any signs of cancer.
The cells will also be analyzed for certain genetic changes that indicate MCC. Skin biopsies are usually done in the doctor’s office with local anesthetic.
Depending on the size and location of the suspicious growth, we may perform a:
- Shave biopsy to remove just the top layer of the growth with a sterile blade,
- Punch biopsy to collect a small circular sample using a special medical tool,
- Incisional biopsy to take a larger sample with a scalpel,
- Excisional biopsy to remove the visible growth entirely with a scalpel.
What are the stages of Merkel cell carcinoma?
Assigning a “stage” to your cancer helps your team at the OSUCCC – James decide the most effective treatment. Generally, the lower the staging number, the less the cancer has spread. Staging is based on three general factors: the size of the tumor and any nearby growth, any spread to lymph nodes and spread to other, distant parts of the body. Physical examination, imaging, biopsies and other tests will be used for accurate staging.
Stage IA
- The tumor is two centimeters or smaller at its widest point.
- No cancer is found in the lymph nodes.
Stage IB
- The tumor is two centimeters or smaller at its widest point.
- No swollen lymph nodes are found by a physical exam or imaging tests.
Stage IIA
- The tumor is larger than two centimeters.
- No cancer is found in the lymph nodes.
Stage IIB
- The tumor is larger than two centimeters.
- No swollen lymph nodes are found by a physical exam or imaging tests.
Stage IIC
- The tumor may be any size.
- The tumor has spread to nearby bone, muscle, connective tissue or cartilage.
- The tumor has not spread to lymph nodes or distant parts of the body.
Stage IIIA
- The tumor may be any size and may have spread to nearby bone, muscle, connective tissue or cartilage.
- Cancer is found in the lymph nodes.
Stage IIIB
- The tumor may be any size and may have spread to nearby bone, muscle, connective tissue or cartilage.
- Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes near the tumor.
- There may also be a second tumor, which is either:
- between the primary tumor and nearby lymph nodes; or
- farther away from the center of the body than the primary tumor is.
Stage IV
- The tumor may be any size.
- The tumor has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, bone or brain.
If you’ve been diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma, or would like a second opinion, please call The James Line at 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.
Related Resources
Merkel Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors and Prevention
Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment
Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment Team