Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive cancer that requires the type of specialized treatment team you’ll find at the UK Markey Cancer Center.
Merkel cell is a neuroendocrine tumor on the skin. This type of cancer affects the skin’s outer layers, or Merkel cells. Merkel cell cancer often comes back after treatment or spreads to other parts of the body.
Not every cancer center has a Merkel cell treatment program. Markey is Kentucky’s National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Our experts have extensive experience treating advanced Merkel cell carcinoma, including cases where it has spread.
Why choose Markey for Merkel cell carcinoma treatment?
Markey is a nationwide leader in Merkel cell treatment. We have the resources and expertise to guide you every step of the way.
Here’s how Markey excels in Merkel cell treatment:
- Dedicated Merkel cell expertise: Markey has Kentucky’s only team of Merkel cell experts. Your team includes specialists in surgery, pathology, radiation oncology and medical oncology who use state-of-the-art therapies to treat Merkel cell cancer.
- Deep experience: Because Merkel cell carcinoma is so rare, many doctors may have never treated it. Our doctors treat people with Merkel cell every week. That kind of experience is crucial for your treatment.
- Collaborative approach: People with Merkel cell may also have other conditions like heart disease or they may be transplant recipients. Our experts work together with doctors from other disciplines to diagnose and treat these complex cases.
- Nationwide collaboration: Markey is part of the Merkel Cell Carcinoma Collaborative (MC3) Institute, a global hub focused on improving the lives of patients with Merkel cell carcinoma through excellence in research.
- Advanced research program: When Merkel cell spreads, clinical trials offer you the best treatment options. Our doctors and researchers conduct trials using the most advanced treatments possible — treatments that make a difference in the lives of our patients here at Markey and around the world.
- Personalized treatment: Your care team will develop an individualized plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. We also meet regularly to make sure we stay on the right path for you and make necessary adjustments to your treatment.
Merkel cell carcinoma typically first appears as a painless lump on the skin. It often starts in areas of the skin exposed to the sun, including the face, neck, arms and legs. The lump can be:
- The size of a dime
- Fast-growing
- Firm
- Raised or dome-shaped
- Skin colored, red or violet
Merkel cell cancer can’t be prevented, but you can take measures to reduce your risk. Be sure to get regular skin exams and be aware of unusual spots or growths so we can diagnose them early and start treatment if it’s needed.
Risk factors for Merkel cell carcinoma include:
- A previous diagnosis of other types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma
- Exposure to sunlight/ultraviolet (UV) rays
- A weakened immune system due to HIV, AIDs, leukemia or other conditions
- Use of transplant medications and immunosuppressants
- For your first visit, you will go to the first floor of the multidisciplinary clinic in the Whitney-Hendrickson Building. Get directions and find parking information.
- Please remember to bring your patient packet with the completed forms. These items will help us learn more about you and determine the best plan for your care.
- We accept many forms of insurance.
